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THE HISTORY 



THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT 

ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER VETERAN 
INFANTRY. 

(Yates Phalanx.) 

IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

1861-1865. 



CHARLES M. CLARK, M. D. 

(Late Sukgeon.) 



'^Ilustrateb. 



'■'■Quid non j)'>'o i^atria.''' 



Published under the Auspices or the Veteran Association 

OF the Re'GIMENT. 



CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. 

18 8 9. 



9914 






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DEDICATION. 



TO THE CHILDREN. 

THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS 

OF THE 

Veteran Soldiers 

OF THE 

U^^^^S'-J^'^^l^ Tr\cgiment 'Illinois y)eterQn "Volunteers, 

WHO SO NOBLY RESPONDED TO THE CALL OF THEIR IMPERILED COUNTRY 
IN THE TIME OF HER NEED; AND WHO SUFFERED UNTOLD PRIVA- 
TIONS, DANGERS, AND THE SHEDDING OF THEIR BLOOD. 
THAT "GOD'S BEST COUNTRY" MIGHT BE PRE- 
SERVED AND HANDED DOWN IN ITS 
INTEGRITY TO THE DEAR 
ONES, FOR THEIR 
INHERITANCE. 



INTKODUCTOEY. 



Comrades : 

It was with feelings of great diffidence and misgiving that I 
approached the task of writing the history of The Thikty-Ninth 
Regiment of Illinois Veteran Volunteers during its four years 
and two months of active service in the field; and now that the 
task (not its history) is completed, I feel more than ever my dis- 
qualification for undertaking it. I was a medical officer, and 
therefore not always acquainted with the real object of your 
movements, and seldom present as a participant when they were 
carried into execution. (I have reference to your movements on 
the battle-field, not the marches or the many other matters 
incidental to the life of the soldier.) In my feeble and imperfect 
way, however, I managed to keep track of you, and with the kind 
assistance of Major Homer A. Plimpton have given a fair recital 
of your deeds, both offensive and defensive, when confronted by 
the enemy. This history will be read by many of the men 
who personally helped to make it, and doubtless they will see 
errors and discrepancies, and will note the absence of numerous 
details and incidents connected with the movements and opera- 
tions of the regiment. This must necessarily have been the case 
under the most favorable circumstances; but it must be borne in 
mind that the wi'iter has had but little co-operation in the com- 
pilation of the facts presented, although the most earnest solicita- 
tion has been frequently made to all concerned, in order to make 
this history as complete and satisfactory as possible. 

The " Roster " of officers and men was transcribed from the 
books of the Regimental Adjutant at Norfolk, Va., in 1865, by 
Lieutenant John L. Ripple, and they were found to be very 
incomplete, and full of errors. This has been rectified in so far 

5 



vi INTRODUCTORY. 

as it was possible, and has necessitated a great deal of research 
and much time. It is yet imperfect in many respects. 

I have requested from every member of the regiment now 
living and who could be reached, that I be furnished with a 
biographical sketch of his life prior to, during, and after the war. 
Some have responded, but the majority have not; and this will 
explain why some members have been more prominently noticed 
than others. 

I have tried to be generous and just to all; and I do not 
think that I have given to any one man or to any one company 
more than his or its share of the glory they were entitled to, in 
any battle or assault that they participated in. Where all did 
their duty so well, it is impossible to individualize. 

This history was commenced in 1871, and completed in 
1872; but for reasons not necessary to mention it was laid aside 
and practically abandoned. At the solicitation of many of the 
members of the regiment it was again taken in hand in 1887, and 
in most part has been re-written, and much interesting matter 
added. 

The discouragements encountered in the eflPorts to get the 
history published have been immense. That you now possess it 
is wholly due to the unwearied efforts of the writer, and the gen- 
erous subscriptions of a few members of our Veteran Association. 

Acknowledgment is due for the generous gift of money by 
Comrade N. B. Kendall, and generous subscriptions from Com- 
rades Mann, Sweetser, Baker, Savage, McGregor, and others. 

My thanks are due to Major Plimpton for his generous aid 
in contributing material for the book; also to General Mann, 
Captain Baker, George Riddle, S. S. Brucker, Ed. D. Conley, 
D. H. Slagle, S. S. Linton, and some few others. 

The portraits of the surviving officers and men which appear 
in the volume have been introduced at their own personal ex- 
pense. 

This book, Comrades, will recall and refresh many half- 
buried recollections of the days when you were soldiering. It 
will revive memories of much suffering, hardship, and perhaps 
may cause some old wound to ache and grumble. It will remind 
you of old comrades who fell at your side, and who now lie far 



INTRODUCTORY. vii 

away from their homes in the hurried graves you made for them. 
Your children, I hope, will appreciate this record of your achieve- 
ments at a time when the very foundations of this Government 
were being undermined and threatened with destruction, and 
Human Liberty was poised in the balance; and may it teach 
them a greater love for their country. 

To all, or any, who may care to read it, I hope that it may 
teach them the great Brotherhood of Man, 

I am deeply conscious of its imperfections, but it is the best 
I could do under the circumstances. Treat it with all the in- 
dulgence you can, and with that charity and consideration that is 
meted out to one who has faithfully tried to do his duty. 

CHARLES M. CLARK, M.D. 

Chicago, 1086 Gkenshaw St. 
July 1st, 1S89. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGES. 

How and When Organized — Difficulties Encountered in getting 
Accepted — Partial Disbandment — Reorganizing and Acceptance — 
Camp Mather — Contest for the State Agricultural Flag — Election 
of Field Officers — Ordered to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo. — 
Presentation of a Flag by Miss Arion — Muster Into the United 
States Service — March to the Depot — Lunch at the Briggs House 
— Address of the Hon. George C. Bates — Response by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Osborn and others 1 — 10 



CHAPTER II. 

Oflf for St. Louis — Transferred to a Steamboat at Alton — Man Over- 
board — Arrive at St. Louis — Benton Barracks — Scene in Barracks 
— Receive Arms, but Not Satisfactory — Sickness — To Join Ward 
H. Lamon's Brigade at Williamsport, Md. — Leave St. Louis — Inci- 
dents of the Journey — Arrival at Hagerstown, Md. — March to 
Williamsport 11 — 19 



CHAPTER III. 

Making Encampment — Regimental Hospital — Measles — Death of 
Lieutenant Richardson — His Burial — How the Surgeons were 
Treated — Reminiscence of Washington — Refugees — The Thir- 
teenth Massachusetts Volunteers — A False Alarm — Porte Crayon 
— Colonel Light's Dismissal — Meeting of the Company Officers — 
Colonel Osborn Promoted to the Vacancy — Thanksgiving — How 
Observed 20— 26 



CHAPTER IV. 

Arms for the Regiment — Orders Received to Guard the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad — Depart for Hancock, Md. — Cross the Potomac 
River to Alpine Station, Va. — Posting the Companies — Surmises 

ix 



CONTEXTS. 

PAGES. 

and Expectancy — Stag Dances — The Colonel and Terpsichore — 
Swan Family — Fort Osborn — Scouting — Applejack — Enemy Ap-. 
proaching — The Detached Companies — How Quartered — Berkeley 
Springs — The Strother Family — Expedition to Bloomer's Gap — 
A Commotion in Camp — The Chaplain and Lieutenant Belcher 
— Dr. Clark Goes to Bath — Colonel Osborn's Otficial Report of 
Operations at Bath and Other Places — General Imboden's Ac- 
count of Jackson's Expedition 27 — 37 



CHAPTEE Y. 

The Rebel Force and its Object — Bath the Key to the Position — 
Captain Linton's Reconnoissance — The Enemy Advance — Rein- 
forcements — Retreat from Bath — The Skirmish at Big Capon — • 
A Rebel's Account of It — Account by Lieutenant Savage — Affairs 
at Alpine — The Assistant Surgeon's Advance and Retreat — The 
Passage of the River — Muhlenberg's Good Service — A Conflagra- 
tion — A Flag of Truce and How Received — Waiting for the 
Bombardment — A Reconnoissance and What was Discovered — 
Some Reflections — The Hospital — Orders to Move 38 — 53 



CHAPTER YI. 

March to Cumberland — How Quartered — New Clothing — Ordered to 
New Creek, Va. — Living Aboard the Cars — The Ohio Regiments 
— Sickness — Expedition to Romney, Va. — Choice of Positions — 
Move to Patterson's Creek — Washington's Birthday — How Cele- 
brated — Resolutions — Quinine and Whisky — General Lander's 
Order — His Death — Reconstructing the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- 
road — Visit Bath — Sad Reports — Foraging Expedition — A Prac- 
tical Joke — Leave the' Cars — March to Martinsburg — Harvey's 
Heroism — Meet General Shields — March to Winchester — Recon- 
noissance in Force — Major Munn's Horse Wanted — Incidents. 5-t — 71 



CHAPTER YII. • 

Meet Doctor Owens — David Strother — Reach our Camp — Skirmish 
with Ashby's Cavalry — General Shields Wounded — Battle of Win- 
chester — Position of the Regiment — Result of the Battle — Follow- 
ing the Army of Jackson — Skirmish with the Rear-guard — 
Bivouac at Cedar Creek — Pursuit Resumed — Woodstock — Edin- 
burg — Permission to Forage — Early Start in the Morning — Mount 
Jackson — Charging a Battery — General Shields' Recovery — On the 



CONTENTS. xi 

PAGES. 

March Again — Fording the Shenandoah — Reach New Market — 
Cross the Massanutton Mountain — White House and Columbia 
Bridges — Luray — Skirmish at Columbia Bridge, and Hold it — 
Surprising a Rebel — Seeking to Arrest Colonel Boswell — Visit 
from Plantation Darkeys — Recounoissance — March to Falmouth 
—Eastern Soldiers — Review by President Lincoln — Ordered Back — 
Departure of Shields — Move to Alexandria — Sent to Harrison's 
Landing 72— 88 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

Assigned to Keyes' Corps — Terribly Hot — Sickness — Sanitary Commis- 
sion — Outpost Duty — Resignations — Company H Arrives — Ter- 
rific Cannonading — Celestial Picket — The Grand Retreat — Much 
Suffering — Campaign Lyric — Proceed to Suffolk — Some History 
— Hospital — Assistant Surgeons Arrive — The Sabbath — Expedi- 
tions to the Dismal Swamp and Blackwater — Aunt Sally — The 
News — Some Reflections — Resignation of Major Munn — New 
Year's — How Celebrated — Off for the Chowan River — Incidents of 
the March — George Riddle and the Pig — Take Transports for 
Newbern, N. C. — Arrival — Wreck of the Ambulance- — Palatial 
Quarters — -Receive Flag from Governor Yates — Join Foster's Ex- 
pedition to South Carolina — Sent to Morehead City — Selecting 
Transports— All Aboard 89—104 

' CHAPTEE IX. 

Pass Fort McAllister — Storm at Sea — Paying Toll to Neptune — Clean- 
ing up — Fishing — Taking Account of Stock — Generals Foster 
and Hunter Do Not Agree — Land on St. Helena Island — Make 
Camp — The Ballad of Paris Island — Dress and Discipline — Hilton 
Head— "Ain't You Going to Kiss Me, Hass, Before You Go?"' 
— Beaufort — Mrs. General Lander — The Negroes — Fishing — Or- 
dered to Folly Island — View the Enemy — Take Possession of 
Folly Island — Feeling Our Way up to the Front — Descrijitive — 
The Bombardment of Fort Sumter by the Ironclads — Making 
Camp — General Vogdes — Lankinaw and the General — Throwing 
up Intrenchmeuts — Relieve the One Hundredth New York Volun- 
teers — The Rebels Celebrate — Fooling with a Loaded Shell — 
First Maryland Cavalry — Paymasters Arrive — The Sutler — Some 
of His Experiences — Visit the "Ironsides" — News from Rebel 
Sources — Trading with the Enemy — The Blockade Runner 
" Ruby " — An Expedition to it — Results — Dr. Woodward Makes 
the Trip and Vogdes Disciplines Him 105 — 129 



xii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEE X. 

PAGES. 

Fowler of Company K Hurt — Card Playing — An Accident — Board of 
Administration for the Sutlers — General Gilmore Succeeds Hun- 
ter — Gilmore and Seymour Arrive — Troops Arriving — Plan of 
Operations — Battery Completed — Guns Mounted — The Boys 
Tired Out — Field Hospital Organized — The Capture of Part of 
Morris Island — How it was Done — Might Have Had it All — The 
Wounded— The First Assault on Fort Wagner — How Conducted 
— Rebel Account of It — After the Repulse — Morris Island — Heavy 
Details for Work — More Batteries Erected — The Fleet Bombard 
Fort Wagner — The Second Assault — The Colored Regiment — 
Troops Sacrificed — Blundering — Tale of a Participator — The 
Killed and Wounded — Troops Sent Away — Gilmore Rifles — 
Nuisances — Colonel Howell Injured — Reflections — The Parallels — 
Capture of Sharpshooters — Fort Sumter in Ruins — The " Swamp 
Angel " — Prepare for Another Assault — Wagner Abandoned — Call 
for Volunteers to Reconnoiter — Dispatches to General Gilmore — 
Death of Captain Woodruff — Resolutions — General Gilmore's Order 
of Congratulation 130 — 154 

CHAPTEE XL 

Ordered Back to Folly Island — Sent to Hilton Head — Vaccination- — Re- 
enlist as Veterans — Had to Pass an Examination — The Thirty- 
Ninth Popular and Given an Escort and an Ovation — Letter to 
Governor Yates from Generals Seymour and Gilmore — Embark 
for New York — Grounded on Frying Pan Shoals — Final Release — 
The Captain's Fault — The Vessel on Fire — ^Big Storm ofif Hatteras 
— Horse Loose — Another Calamity — Men Injured — Reach New 
York — Park Barracks — Take the Cars for Chicago — Arrival — 
Respects to the Tribune — Supper at Bryan Hall — Lady Managers 
of the Soldiers' Rest — Camji Fry — Furloughs — Dr. Woodward as 
Hamlet at McVicker's Theatre 155—165 

CHAPTEE XII. 

Assemble at Bryan Hall — Speeches of Governor Yates and Others — 
Ordered to the Front — Poem — Leave Chicago — Trouble at Pitts- 
burg — How it all Ended — Arrive at AVashington — Cross the 
Potomac^ — Arlington Heights — Camji Grant — First Connecticut 
Heavy Artillery — Major Cook — Colonel Osborn Sick — Fort Bar- 
nard — Start a Masonic Lodge — Move to Gloucester Point — Vast 
Array and Great Preparations — Embark on Steamer — Halt at 
Fort Monroe for Orders — Proceed Up the James River — Debark 
at Bermuda Hundred 166—176 



CONTENTS. xiii 

CHAPTEE XIII. 

PAGES. 

In the Army of the James — Move Towards Drury's Bluff — Intrench- 
ing — Skirmish at Chester Heights — Driving the Eebels Back on 
, Fort Darling — Colonel Osborn Wounded — Digging Rifie-Pits — 
Jenkins Wounded — The Surgeons in a Fix — A Gentlemanly Aid- 
de-Camp — Butler Anticipated — Plimpton's Account of the Battle 
of Drury's Bluff — Casualties — Major Linton Points Out a Few 
Errors — Loss to Butler's Army — A Remarkable Battle — Adjutant 
Walker — Captain Wightman — Kendall Says He's Dead — Other 
Incidents — The Honor of the State of Illinois Must be Maintained 
— Experiences of Lace and Crozier — Get Back to the Old Camp — 
The Wounded 177—190 



CHAPTEE Xiy. 

Butler's Force— Grant Calls for the Eighteenth and Part of the Tenth 
Corps— Butler " Bottled Up "—All Quiet— Recapture of Rifle-Pits, 
May 20th, or Battle of Wier Bottom Church— Short but Brilliant 
— Colonel Howell's Official Report of it — Lieutenant-Colonel Mann 
Wounded — Loss to the Regiment and Brigade — Howell Shows 
How to Draw the Enemy's Fire — Dog Tents — The Camji — Battery 
Number Six — Lieutenant Burrill and Amos Reese Wounded in 
Camp — Jacob Franks Drowned — Comparative Quiet — The Second 
of June — The Rebs Get a Roasting — Lieutenant Fellows Killed— 
Lieutenant Sweetser Wounded — A Rebel Colonel in Our Hands 
—General Alfred H. Terry 191—202 



CHAPTEE XV. 

Some Leisure — Captain Snowden Wounded — Hot Weather — Sixteenth 
of June — Grant's Army Crosses the James — The Thirty-Ninth En- 
counter Pickett's Division — Captain Rudd Wounded — The 17th 
of June — Take a Lot of Prisoners — General Gilmore Relieved — 
Return to Old Camp — President Lincoln Reviews the Army of the 
James — Our Wounded at Fort Monroe — How Treated — Hospital 
Chaplains — Chaplain McReading — The 13th of August — Plimp- 
ton's Account of the Battle of Deep Run — Williams, Lemon and 
Frane Killed — Baker and Warner Lose their Legs — The Casualties 
—Poem 203—215 



xiv CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEE XVI. 

PAGES. 

General Birney's Order — Pretty Well Thinned Out — Always Ready 
— In Front of Petersburg — Brigade Hospital — The Petersburg 
Express — Rebel Lines — Grant's Headquarters — Whitworth Bolts 
— Execution of a Soldier — Colonel Howell's Death — Eulogy and 
Elegy — Position of the Army of the James — Election Commis- 
sioners — Feeling of the Soldiers — Light Marching Orders — Cross 
the James River — Battle of Darbytown Cross-Roads — Assault of 
the Fort — Plimpton's Account of It; Sergeant Slagle's — Yates' 
Death — Death of Steele — Bad Place for Surgeons — The Wounded 
— Lieutenant Wilder Killed — An Incident — Miss Clara Barton — A 
Great " Skedaddle " — General Birney's Death — Grand Review by 
Lincoln and Grant — Some Medical Matters — Winter Quarters — 
Some of Butler's Orders 216—237 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Organizing the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps — The Twenty-Fifth and 
Part of the Twenty-Fourth Corps go to Fort Fisher — The Field 
Hospital at Chapin's Farm — Medical Examining Board — Maling- 
erers, and How Treated — Christmas Eve — Music by the Band — 
Egg-Nog, Etc.^Dutch Gap Canal — Victory Everywhere — Visitors 
— Ed Conley's Report of a Serenade on the Hunchback, and How 
it Terminated — Surgery on a Horse — Deserters — Shooting De- 
serters — Sad and Shocking Scene 238 — 248 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Another Review by General Grant and Ladies — General Grant at the 
Hospital — How he Looked— Still Another Review — Feeling Like 
"Green Bay Trees" — Orders to Prepare to Move — A Clearing Out 
— General Sheridan Arrives — March All Night — Major Plimpton's 
Description of Movements and Battles from March 27th to April 
9th — General Osborn's Official Report — Something About the 
Doctors — Statistics — Ride into Petersburg — Negroes and Massa 
Linkum — Forward to Appomattox — The Surrender of General 
Lee and His Army of Northern Virginia — The War Practically 
Ended — Visit to the Rebel Camp — General Osborn Gets a Horse — 
Relic-Hunters — General Lee Departs — His Last Order 249 — 267 



CONTENTS. XV 

CHAPTEE XIX. 

PAGES. 

On to Richmond!— News of the Assassination of President Lincoln — 
Burdened with Woe — Lincoln's Favorite Poem— Farmville — En- 
tertain Ladies— Enter Richmond— City of Richmond— The King 
is Dead— Where Does the Credit Belong— Make Encampment- 
Duties— Army of the Potomac and Sherman's Army Pass through 
Richmond — General Terry Again — Corps Hospital — General 
Grant's Order— Reporter Merriam— Ladies of Richmond— Doctor 
jViayo— George Fitzhugh— Richmond Theatre— Grand Spreads and 
"Blow Outs "—The Thirty-Ninth Ordered to City Point— Thence 
to Norfolk— Twenty-Fourth Corps Disbanded— Hospital Closed- 
Post Hospital at Norfolk—" Ferry Point in a Minit"— District of 
Southeastern Virginia— Niggers Want the Earth— Terry's Order 
—Muster Out of Service— School is Out— Go Home— Reach Chi- 
cago—Springfield—Final Payments— Exercises in the Chapel- 
Salute the Old Banners for the Last Time— Valedictory 268—286 



CHAPTEE XX. 
REMINISCENCES AND INCIDENTS. 

How Lieutenant Brucker Opened the Battle of Winchester, Va.— Diso- 
bedience of Orders Saves Many Lives— Some Tales by Commissary 
Sergeant Frisbie: A New Dish: Frisbie's "Mountain Rabbit"— 
"Bury Me Where I Lay, Boys"— Reminiscences of General Mann: 
How He was Frightened: A Good Lawyer Wanted— The Hegira of 
Colored Servants at Edinburg, Va.— Ely's Foraging Expedition- 
Captain Botsford's Narrative— Dr. Clark and the Rebel Flag- 
Charley McGregor and the Pig— General Butler's Narrow Escape 
from Capture— Capture of a Doctor— The Reminiscences of Ezra 
A. Cook, Company G— Searching for Buried Wealth— The Last to 
Cross the River at Sir John's Run— The Sutler in a Rage. . . . 288—329 



CHAPTEE XXI. 

DEVOTED TO NARRATIVE, INCIDENTS, AND 
MISCELLANY. 

George Riddle's Experiences— Narrative of Martin Van Buren Peters- 
Narrative of William H. Howard— Emile Guntz's Prison Experi- 
ence at AndersonviUe, Ga.— An Incident at Castle Thunder, Rich- 
mond, Told by David H. Slagle— The "Bummers" in New York 



CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

City — Letter from Sergeant E. J. Thayer, ComiJany D, to Captain 
George O. Snowden Relative to the Skirmish of June 16th, 1864 — 
General Shields Gives the Band an Irish "Compliment" — Remin- 
iscence of Surgeon S. C. Blake: Female Spies— Dr. De Normandie 
on Guard — The Wilmington Monument — General Grant's Terms 
of Surrender — The Place of Lee's Surrender — A Confederate Song 
— The Regimental Flags, and the Eagle — Requa Battery — Poem, 
Dedicated to the Thirty-Ninth, by Mrs. Mary C. White 330—367 



CHAPTEE XXII. 

Field and Stafif— Who They Were and What Has Become of Them— 
Roster, with Biographies — The Non-Commissioned Staff — Roster 
— Shoulder-straps and Chevrons — The Original Band — The Band 
of 1864-'65 368—391 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Company A — How Organized — Roster and Biography — Summary of 

Casualties, Etc 392—405 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Company B— How and Where Organized — Roster and Biographies — 

Summary of Casualties, Etc 406 — 421 



CHAPTER XXV. 

How Company C was Recruited— Roster and Biographies — Summary 

of Casualties, Etc 422 — 434 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Organization of Company D— Roster and Biographical Sketches — 

Summary of Casualties, Etc 435 — 447 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Company E — How Recruited — Roster and Biography — Summary of 

Casualties, Etc 448 — 464 



i 



CONTENTS. xvii 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

PAGES. 

Company F — How Recruited — Roster and Biographies — Summary of 

Casualties, Etc 465—479 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Company G — How Recruited — Roster and Biographies — Summary of 

Casualties, Etc 480—491) 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Company H — Brief History — Roster and Biography — Summary of 

Casualties, Etc 500—510 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

History of Company I — Roster of Members — Some Biographical 

Sketches — Summary of Casualties, Etc 511 — 524 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Company K — How and Where Recruited — Roster — Biographical 

Sketches of Members — Summary of Casualties, Etc 525 — 548 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

General Summary of Facts — Members of the Regiment Who Died in 

Rebel Prisons 549 — 554 



APPENDIX. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Page. 

Governor Richard Yates 

Frontisjnece 

Field and Stafif 1 

Off to the Front 7 

Supper at Pittsburg 15 

Camp Kitchen 23 

Muhlenberg's Guns in Action 

on Warm Spring Ridge. . . 40 
Retreat from Alpine Station the 

Night of January 4th, 18(12 45 

'• Stonewall " Jackson 50 

Regimental Medical Staff 60 

Bivouacking at Cedar Creek in 

the Rain 70 

Fresh Pork for Supper 7G 

On the March 83 

Review by President Lincoln at 

Falmouth, Va., May, 1862.. 85 
Gunboats on James River .... 87 
McClellan's Headquarters, Har- 
rison's Landing 91 

Dummies and Quaker Guns Left 
in the Works at Harrison's 

Landing 94 

On Picket 96 

The Sutlers 99 

Band Boys Foraging 101 

Scene of Operations in South 

Carolina 114 

Bombardment of Fort Sumter 

and Adjacent Forts 116 

Fort Sumter after Bombard- 
ment 118 

Three Hundred-Pounder Par- 
rott Gun Battery, Morris 

Island 131 

Beacon House 135 

Fort Wagner. Point of First 

Assault 136 

Fort W^agner. Sea Front. ... . 138 
Bomb-proof 142 



Page. 

Fort Sumter in Ruins 144 

" Swamp Angel " 149 

Long Bridge — Examining a 

Pa.ss 173 

Line o f Defense — Bermuda 

Hundred 181 

The Hospital Steamer 189 

The Field Hospital 198 

Chesapeake Hospital 206 

Scene of Assault August 13th, 

1864 213 

Map of the Defenses of Rich- 
mond and Petersburg 222 

The Assault 227 

Counting the Scars in the 

Colors 230 

Collecting the Wounded 233 

Winter Quarters at Chapin's 

Farm 235 

Officers' Quarters, C h a p i n's 

Farm 236 

Battery at Dutch Gap 243 

General Butler's Headquarters 

—Dutch Gap 244 

Chapin's Bluff, Va 250 

Pontoon Bridge — Jones' Land- 
ing 251 

The Assault on Fort Gregg, 

April 2d, 1865 254 

McLean's House — Place of 

Lee's Surrender 265 

Libby Prison 272 

W'at War Dey Fightin' 'Bout.. . 287 
The Prison Pen at Anderson- 

ville 342 

Castle Thunder Prison, Rich- 
mond, Va 344 

Section of Requa Battery '363 

Regimental Band 386 

Group of Line Officers 392 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PORTRAITS. 



Page. 
Baker, Captain Leroy A., Co. A. 425 

Barber, Alden, Co. K 526 

Barber, Cicero, Co. K 526 

Bishop, Sergeant-Ma jor Reese. 438 

Blake, Doctor S. C 376 

Bosworth, Isaac D., Co. G 480 

Brucker, Lieutenant Simon S., 

Co. C 425 

Rudd, Captain Oscar F., Co. G. 422 
Chapman, Corporal Edward 0., 

Co. C 425 

Clark, Surgeon Charles M 380 

Conley, Edward D. Co. E. (band) 425 

Cook, Ezra A., Co. G 480 

Curtis, General S. R 248 

Ely, William W., Co. E 376 

Fellows, Lieutenant A. W., Co. I 438 
Frane, Lieutenant John, Co. D . 438 
Frisbie, Commissary Sergeant 

Charles, Co. G 425 

Gibbons, General John 274 

Gilmore, General Q. A 248 

Gillmore, Captain Samuel, Co. I. 512 

Grant, General U. S 248 

Guntz, Lieutenant Emile, Co, K. 512 

Harvey, Levi, Co. C 425 

Hazzard, J. M., Co. E 512 

Hirst, Edward, Co. 1 512 

Hirst, James, Co. 1 480 

Hoffman, Serg't S. W., Co. F . . 438 
Hoffman, Quartermaster S. W. . 512 
Hooker, Captain J. H., Co. E... 512 
Howard, William H., Co. G. . . . 480 

Howell, Colonel J. B 248 

Hunter, General David 248 

Jewett, W. O. L., Co. E 512 

Johnson, Commissary Sergeant 

A. B 425 

Kendall, Captain N. B., Co. G.. 376 
Kipp, Corporal John B., Co. K. 526 
Kirkman, William G., Co. K. . . ,526 
Knapp, Lieutenant Horace, Co. 

D 438 



Page. 
Lemon, Lieutenant James D., 

Co. 1 438 

Lemon, Richard A., Co. 1 480 

Linton, Major Samuel S 376 

Mann, General O. L 376 

Mick, Parker, Co. K 526 

Milliman, Major Minor W 376 

Morley, William R., Co. H 480 

Munn, Major Sylvester W 376 

Myers, Captain E. C, Co. K . . . . 512 
Nichols, Corporal J. T., Co. K.. 526 
Osborn, General Thomas O . . . . 268 
Phillips, Captain Hiram, Co. I. 480 
Plimpton, Lieutenant - Colonel 

Homer A 376 

Pond, H. D., Co. G 480 

Riddle, George, Co. 1 480 

Sanborn, Sergeant James, Co. 

K 526 

Sauers, Corporal Peter, Co. K. . 526 

Shields, General James 248 

Smith, Sergeant H. G., Co. G. . 425 
Snowden, Captain George O., 

Co. D 512 

Strong, General George C 248 

Sweetser, Lieutenant Al. C, Co. 

B 425 

Terry, General Alfred H 202 

Thomas, Corporal Francis M., 

Co. K ,526 

Walker, Adjutant Joseph D . . . 422 

Warner, Major Norman C 376 

Whipple, Captain Lewis T,, Co. 

E 438 

Wightman, Captain James W., 

Co. C 422 

Wilder, Lieutenant C. J., Co. H. 422 
Williams, Captain Chauncey, 

Co. H 422 

Woodruff, Captain Joseph O., 

Co. K .526 

Woodward, William, Assistant 

Surgeon 422 



CORRECTIONS. 

On page 6, in speaking of the presentation of the flag by Miss Helen 
Arion, it is stated that the presentation speech was made by Colonel C. P. 
Arion. It should read, the Hon. Fernando Jones, of Chicago, made the 
presentation speech — a gentleman who took a lively interest in the organ- 
ization and equii>ment of the regiment, and who ever proved its friend 
and takes pride in the record it made during the war. At a late re-union 
he was made an honorary member of the Veteran Association of the regi- 
ment. 

On page 84, second paragraph, sixth line, April 24th should read May 
24th. 

On page 228, second paragraph, first line, Marseilles should read Wil- 
mington, 111. 

Page 458, Hazzard, Monroe, should read Hazzard, J. Monroe. 

On page 496, Pettijohn, James, Company G, should read Pettijohn, 
Jacob. 



ADDENDA. 



George Howells, Company E, is living; his postoiBce address is Braid- 
wood, 111. 

Lester B. Dickey, Company G, resides at Orland, Cook county, 111. 

There should be added to the record of William H. Reed, Company 
A, that he was a prisoner at Andersonville for eighteen months and was 
about dead when he reached his home. 



REVEILLE. 



/ HE day-star shines upon the hill, 
kQ The valleys in the shadows sleep; 
In wood and thicket, dark and still. 

My comrades lie in slumber deep. 
Far in the east a phantom gray 

Steals slowly up the night's black pall. 
And, herald of the coming day. 

The distant bugle's soft notes call — 

" / can''t get 'em up, 

I canH (jet 'em np, 
/ canH get 'em up in the morning; 

I can't get 'em up, 

I canH get 'em up, 
I canH get 'em up at all! " 

A thought of motion at the sound — 

As though the forest caught its breath, 
And belted sleepers on the ground 

More restless, like life in death. 
And slumbering echoes, here and there, 

Awaken as the challenge floats. 
And louder on the morning air 

Ring out the cheery bugle notes — 

"7 can'i get 'em wp in the morning! 

I canH get 'em up in the morning! 

I can't get 'em ujj in the morning! 

I can''t get 'em up at all! " 

And as the shrilling strains prolong, 

Flames into rose and gold the day, 
And springing up, with shout and song. 

Each soldier welcomes march or fray. 
Through wooded vale, o'er wind-swept hill. 

Where camp-fires gleam and shadows fall. 
Louder and clearer, cheerily still, 

Rings out the merry bugle call — 

" / caii't get 'em up), 

I can't get 'em up — 
I can't get 'em, up in the morning! 

I can't get 'em up, 

I can't get 'em up — 
I can't get 'an up at all! " 

ROBEBT J. BuEDETTE. 



HISTORY THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT 

ILLINOIS A^OLUNTEEKS. 



CHAPTEK I. 



How and When Organized — Difficulties Encountered in Getting Accepted — 
Partial Disbandment — Reorganizing and Acceptance — Camp Mather 
— Contest for the State Agricultural Flag — Election of Field Officers — 
Ordered to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo. — Prese^itation of a Flag 
by Miss Arion — Muster into U. S. Service — March to- Depot — Lunch 
at Briggs House — Address of Hon. George C. Bates — Response by 
Colonel Osborn. and others. 



rpHE THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT had its birtli dur- 
ing that period of great excitement and the intense 
feeling of indignation that followed upon the opening act 
of the rebellious States,- — the firing upon Fort Sumter, 
Charleston harbor, April 13th, 1861. 

A party of gentlemen, some of whom were afterAvards 
prominently identified with this regiment, had assembled in 
the law office of Moore & Osborn in the old Tremont build- 
ing on Dearborn street, Chicago, to give expression to the 
feelings engendered by this outrage and insult to the flag of 
our common country, when it was suggested that a company 
of infantry be raised at once and tendered to the Governor 
of the State. 

Action wr.s immediately taken, and the names of Thomas 
O. Osborn, Frank B. Marshall, Dr. S. C. Blake, Joseph A. 
Cutler, George Coats worth. Dr. Charles M. Clark and a few" 
others were enrolled as members. Soon the idea occurred 
that it might be as easy to organize and raise a regiment as 



2 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

a company, and measures were taken to that end. Money 
was procured and men selected to proceed to various portions 
of the State to enlist men and secure companies that had 
already been formed and were awaiting acceptance in some 
organized regiment. In the meantime, Orrin L. Mann, 
William H. Ranstead, William Dircks and others became 
associated with us, and active recruiting commenced in the 
city and suburbs. In less than six weeks' time we had some 
thirteen hundred men ready and impatient for muster into 
the United States service. Unfortunately for us the State 
had filled its quota under the first call for troops, and it was 
found that we could not be accepted as a regimental organi- 
zation at that time, but were requested to await the next call, 
which, it was expected, would soon be made : but the men 
were impatient to get to the front and into active service, and 
learnino^ that the State of Missouri Avas behind in raisiuoj its 
proportion of men, the regiment was tendered to the Gov- 
ernor of that State, but with a like result. 

Somewhat discouraged, and there being no certainty as 
to when it would be accepted, the regiment became, in part, 
disorganized, some companies withdrawing for acceptance 
into other regiments that had not their full complement of 
men but had been accepted, and many men joining other 
companies that were about ready to take the field. 

The regiment had decided upon bearing the name of 
His Excellency the Governor of the State, and became known 
as the "Yates Phalanx." Governor Yates manifested an 
earnest desire to have this regiment brought into service and 
sent Orrin L. Mann, then recruiting a company, to Washing- 
ton with strong commendatory letters to the President and 
Secretary of War, urging the acceptance of this body of 
men, but it was not until the President had been authorized 
by Congress to make a call for five hundred thousand more 
troops that hope revived and measures were taken to re- 
cruit our losses. 



CAMP MATHER— ORGANIZATION. 3 

In the latter part of July, 1861, after the disaster to 
our arms at the first battle at Bull Run, Ya., notice was re- 
ceived from Washington that the regiment had been accepted 
and to prepare at once for muster into the service of the 
United States. More active measures were immediately put 
forward to increase our membership, and soon there were 
some three hundred men quartered in the old Republican 
Wigwam on Market street. Company A, Captain Munn, 
Avas the first full company to report, and they were speedily 
followed by companies C, D and G. In succeeding chapters 
more explicit mention of the company organizations will be 
given. 

In the latter part of July, Austin Light, w^ho had seen 
considerable service in the United States army, came to us 
well recommended as an organizer and as being well-posted 
in military affairs, army requirements and regulations, and 
to him was given the duty of perfecting the organization of 
the regiment, and it was conceded that he should have the 
colonelcy, although no election for field ofiicers had as yet 
taken place. 

On or about August 10th, the necessary tents and camp , 
equipage having been furnished, encampment was made on 
Indiana avenue near Twenty-sixth street, and named "Camp 
Mather"' in honor of the Adjutant General of the State, and 
we were soon inducted into some semblance of military life 
and duty. 

Daily drill was inaugurated, by company in the morn- 
ings and battalion in the afternoons. Awkward squads 
could be seen maneuvering at most all times. The regimen- 
tal band, organized by Philip M. Lace at Pontiac, 111., had 
joined us, and their music served to enliven the somewhat 
dull monotony of the camp, and especially did it serve as an 
attraction for visitors at the time of dress parade. 

The camp was pleasantly situated, Avith plenty of open 
prairie round about us; and in our near vicinity, to the 



4 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

soutli and east of us, was located what was called tlie Doug- 
las brigade, then in state of formation. 

On pleasant days there was no lack of visitors of both 
sexes, but especially were we overrun with peddlers and 
traders of every conceivable sort — agents from various arms 
manufactories soliciting orders for revolvers and ammunition; 
dealers in horses, who wished to supply the field and staff; 
drummers from tailoring establishments, etc. 

In the early part of September the State Commissioners 
of Agriculture, while in session at Chicago, voted a flag to 
be presented to the best drilled company of soldiers in camp 
at Chicago, and the regimental officers decided to enter into 
competition for it; and Adjutant Frank B. Marshall, for- 
merly a member of the Ellsworth Zouaves, was selected to 
organize and command a company made up of men of his 
choosing from any material in the regiment. This he at 
once proceeded to do, and in the course of ten days' time, 
by patient and persistent work with his men he brought 
them to that perfection in the manual of arms and in field 
evolutions, that on the day appointed for the contest and the 
adjudication they won an easy victory and were awarded the 
flag. 

In the closing days of September, the precise date is 
forgotten, there was an order issued for the election of field 
officers. It had been very well understood for a long time 
who were the choice for the positions of colonel and lieuten- 
ant-colonel, and, in fact, these officers had already received 
their commissions ; but it was evident that there was to be a 
lively contest for the majorship. Two candidates Avere in 
the field for the position — Orrin L. Mann and William H. 
Eanstead, both of Avliom had been active in organizing and 
recruiting for the regiment. There were two factions, pretty 
evenly divided in support of the two men; that in favor of 
Ranstead was the most noisy and belligerent and consisted 
of what was termed the "bummer" element of the regiment; 



ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 5 

the party in favor of Mann was more peaceful and orderly, 
but fully as determined. On the day of election, the officers 
gathered together in one of the larger tents and prepared for 
the ballot, selecting Doctor Clark as judge of election. Slips 
of paper bearing the name of each candidate were prepared 
and the voting proceeded, each slip being dropped into a hat 
on the table before the judge. When the votes were 
counted, it was found to be a tie vote, each candidate ha\dng 
received an equal number; but the judge of election had not 
yet voted, and who should be the major wholly depended on 
his decision ; and amid a most profound quiet and anxious, 
questioning glances, he declared for Captain Orrin L. Mann. 
As soon as the result became known among the men it was 
evident that trouble was brewing. Ranstead, who was 
present on the grounds, was soon surrounded by his admir- 
ers and supporters and was lifted upon their shoulders, and 
as they paraded him around, it was declared that he should 
be major or they would leave the regiment. Some disgrace- 
ful scenes and a few acts of violence followed in the course 
of the day, but by nightfall matters became quieted down. 
Captain Mann was not present, being absent sick, and it. 
perhaps was best so, for there were many threats of violence 
made against him, principally due to whisky. Eanstead 
declared that he should contest the matter to the extent of 
his ability, and did exert all the influence that he could bring 
to bear upon the Governor; but it proved of no avail. 
Captain Mann received the commission of major. 

October 8th the order that we had anxiously and 
patiently looked for came to hand, and we were to immedi- 
ately prepare to muster into the United States service for 
three years, and to hold ourselves in readiness to move at a 
moment's notice. 

Absentees were notified and gathered in, and everything 
made in readiness for the changfe awaitinof us. A o^rateful 
surprise, however, was in store, before leaving Cliicago, 



6 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

which was the presentation of a beautifiil silk flag, by Miss 
Helen Arion, the daughter of C. P. Arion, who had taken a 
lively interest in our affairs from the first. The presentation 
was made at the close of dress parade, on the evening of 
October 10th, by Colonel Arion, on behalf of his daughter, and 
the flag was received by Lieutenant-Colonel Osborn, avIio in 
a few well-chosen words thanked the fair donor in behalf of 
the regiment, and finally ended by naming her the " Daughter 
of the Regiment." 

October 11th, 1861, at seven o'clock in the morning, 
the officers and men were formed for inspection and for 
"muster-in" by Captain Webb, U. S. A. 

Eight hundred and six officers and men were in line, 
all being present except Company H, which was in process 
of recruiting. Some little time was occupied by the inspec- 
tion, and at the last, when the order was given to raise the 
right hand and be sworn, the sight was solemn and inspiring 
as this body of stalwart and eager men took the oath to 
defend and ever uphold the government of the United States 
,of x4Lmerica. 

The orders received directed us to report to General S. 
R. Curtis, commanding Camp of Instruction at Benton 
Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., transportation being furnished via 
the Chicagfo, Alton and St. Louis railroad. At eleven o'clock 
A.M. we bade a last adieu to Camp Mather, and commenced 
the march to the depot, stepping out to the inspiriting strains 
from the band of "The girl I left behind me." We were 
at last "off to the wars," and thus commenced the first of a 
series of long and often disastrous marches unattended by 
such pleasurable emotions as at this time filled our hearts. 
The regiment proceeded by way of Cottage Grove avenue to 
Twenty-second street, turning into Michigan avenue, thence 
to Madison street, and to the cars. The men put their best 
foot forward, making a most creditable and soldierly appear- 
ance, although without muskets, gratefully and proudi 



ADDRESS OF GEORGE C. BATES. 7 

receiving the admiring plaudits of the thousands who had 
gathered to witness the departure of the Thirty-Ninth. 

We were escorted from the camp to the depot by the 
Chicago Zouaves in command of Captain E. L. Brand, and 
highly appreciated the compliment. 

After the men had been assigned and comfortably dis- 
posed of on board the cars, the officers, through the courtesy 
of Mr. C. H. Pratt, one of the officials of the railway, were 
invited to partake of lunch at the Briggs House, where they 




Off to the Fkont." 



at once proceeded, and with good appetites soon evinced 
their appreciation of this kindness. After the meal, Mr. 
George C. Bates, an old soldier and a prominent lawyer of 
Chicago, arose, and in behalf of the citizens made the fol- 
lowing address :. 

Officers of the Phalanx! Although entirely surprised by the sudden- 
ness of the command that has summoned me to join you, yet I am too old 
a soldier, and my heart is too full of the great and glorious cause that has 
brought us together here to-day, to disobey the order of those who com- 
mand me to speak. You, soldiers, have just now ended your career as 



8 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

mere holiday troops, and are now at once to buckle on the armor and to 
unsheathe the swords of gallant knights enrolled to maintain, uphold and 
defend that Constitution and that Union which were hammered out amidst 
the tires of the Revolution, and cemented by the blood of the fathers and 
heroes of the war of our independence. The morning reveille which has 
hitherto summoned you to roll-call, will, ere another day's sun shall have 
gone down into the Pacific, call you " To arms! " " to arms! " against the 
deadly foes and the rebellious crew that are now endeavoring to destroy and 
overthrow that gorgeous temple of Liberty reared by Washington, Han- 
cock, Adams. Jefferson and their compeers; that temple which has hitherto 
challenged, by its beauty, the admiration of all the nations of the earth — 
a temple in which the exiles of despotism from all parts of the world have 
always sought an asylum; while the evening tattoo will bid you to sleep on 
your burnished arms, ready, at any moment, to rally to the bugle call to 
the rescue of that flag which has always floated in triumph over every sea 
and in every clime. 

The hour, Colonel, is a sad one, and this parting and leave-taking, in 
some respects painful, for you leave behind you your wives, your little 
ones, your kinsfolk, and your cheerful, happy homes. And yet, our only 
regret is, that we, too. cannot join your ranks, enroll our names upon 
your muster, and rally with you under those dear old Stripes and Stars. You 
are, indeed. Colonel and officers, to be envied, that you can go, and the 
buttons you wear, the swords that gird your thighs, the epaulettes that 
mark and designate your rank, are all badges of honor, of chivalry, of 
duty in the field, which we civilians can only coi-et, not enjoy. You, and 
such as you, are the honored children of this glorious republic, of whom, in 
after times, when the Union shall have been successfully maintained, and 
peace restored, our children shall say, as they point at you with pride, and 
their eyes sparkle with delight, as you shall pass along the pathway of life: 
"There goes one of the Army of the Union!" Honors shall cluster thick 
around you, and garlands of myrtle shall he woven by fairy fingers to 
entwine around your brows, and when finally you shall be gathered to 
another and brighter world, on the slab that marks your resting place shall 
be engraven these words: 

" Sacked to the Memokt of a Soldiee of the Union." 
Go, Colonel, and you, officers of the Phalanx, to your respective posts. 
The voice of your country calls you — the bugle of the gallant Pathfinder 
summons you to join his ranks, that with him and your fellow-soldiers of 
Illinois you may once more raise on the very highest peak of the snowy 
mountains that divide the waters that flow to the Pacific from those that 
sink into the Atlantic, our time-honored flag, every stripe unchanged, every 
star undimmed. 

It may be that it is your glorious privilege to join the loyal sons of 
Kentucky, and amidst the lovely lawns and splendid groves of Ashland, 
with your gleaming bayonets and glittering swords over the very grave that 



ADDRESS OF GEORGE C. BATES. 9 

shields the ashes of the immortal Clay, to contend against the degenerate 
and dastard sons and the rebel children of him who lived and died to main- 
tain and adorn that Government which they now seek to destroy. In the 
name of Henry Clay we bid you uphold that banner under which he was 
born, for the honor of which he lived, and in which his sacred remains now 
lie enshrouded. Strike the traitors of Kentucky in the name of Clay! — his 
spirit will uphold, his prayers in heaven will echo and reecho through its 
vaults in your behalf, and victory will perch upon your banner over his 
tomb. Should your command for one moment falter, or your gallant Pha- 
lanx hesitate, point them to that gray-haired patriotic Conscript Father of 
our Republic, the lion-hearted, the chivalrous Crittenden, who has come 
down from that Senate chamber, of which he was so long the proudest 
ornament, has exchanged the toga for the musket, and with his gray hairs 
streaming in the wind, at almost four score, has put upon his feeble but 
sacred shoulders the armor and breastplate of the Union, only to be laid 
aside when he shall have filled a soldier's grave, or every rebel villain from 
the traitorous vice-president to his own degenerate son, shall have been 
driven from Kentucky beyond the Hermitage where sleeps "Old Hickory," 
into the turbid waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Colonel, well may you and your soldiers feel proud that you are to 
fight for the burial place of Henry Clay, side by side with such heroes, i?uch 
statesmen, such orators as John J. Crittenden. Let the watchword of your 
Phalanx be, Our Union and its great defenders — Clay and Crittenden; and 
then strike as becomes the sons of Illinois, the soldiers of the Union. 
From every mountain and in every valley of Kentucky let these two names 
be sounded, and like t-he fiery cross of Scotland, from every brake and bush, 
from every hilltop and in every valley, shall the sons of the "dark and- 
bloody ground," the loyal and gallant Kentuckians, rush to the rescue. 

Go, then, soldiers of the Phalanx, to a proud and glorious victory, or 
to a soldier's honored grave. Our prayer at morning and evening shall be 
— God bless, protect and save our country and its warrior sons. 

"What though destruction sweep these lovely plains? 
Rise, fellow-men. our Union yet remains! 
By that dread name, we wave the sword on high. 
And swear /or it to live, ivith it to die." 

At the conclusion of the remarks of Mr. Bates, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Thomas O. Osborn arose, and with a heart 
full of emotion and in words of burning eloquence, responded 
in behalf of the Phalanx and its officers. He told of the 
obstacles in its infancy, the embarrassments in its equipment, 
and of its successful and perfect organization, and pledged 
the reoiment and its officers to either maintain and defend 



10 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the cause of the Union or to leave every man of it on the 
field of battle and of duty. 

A short and stirring speech was then made by Captain 
Hooker, when the order was given " Fall in! " and the officers 
jjroceeded to their respective posts. An excellent collation 
was also provided by the railroad company for the regiment 
and Captain Brand's escort, at the depot, which was discussed 
with eminent satisfaction and elicited universal sentiments of 
gratitude for the generosity which had anticipated their 
wants. 



CHAPTER II. 



Off for St. Louis — Transferred to a Steamboat at Alton— Man Overboard — 
Arrive at St. Louis — Benton Barracks — Scenes in Barracks — Receive 
Arms, but not Satisfactory — Sickness — To Join Ward H. Lamon's 
Brigade at Williamsport, Md.— Leave St. Louis — Incidents of the 
Journey — Arrival at Hagerstown, Md. — March to Williamsport. 



A FTER lea^dng the Briggs House our steps were directed 
to the cars, where, after bidding adieu to the many 
friends who had accompanied us, the order was given to 
move, and we were soon separated from all the blandish- 
ments of Chicago, and bade a long good-bye to home 
scenes and comforts. 

The occasion was one that enlisted the energy of 
thought, and as the train moved forward and onward a 
mournful silence seemed to take possession of us all, relieved 
only by the swift-rolling wheels and the jar and clatter of 
motion; but the re-action soon took place, and the jovial 
element of some of our comrades asserted a pre-eminence 
that we could not control, and in mirthful song and strange 
story we soon forgot the past. 

We reached the city of Alton the following afternoon, 
where a most desirable change awaited us in the shape of a 
steamboat ride down the river. 

The transfer was soon made, and "all aboard!" soon 
proclaimed, when we heard the cry of "man overboard!" 
All rushed to see what was the matter, but thanks to the 
crew of the steamer the man was already landed, and proved 
to be one of the men who had imbibed too freely of the milk 
of " human weakness," and he came aboard again dripping 
and sputtering about a bath in the Mississippi. 

11 



12 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

The city of St. Louis was reached about seven p.m. and 
the command disembarked and formed for the march to 
Benton Barracks, our destination. It was some time, how- 
ever, before a guide was found, and then we learned that 
a march of several miles was before us. 

The regiment started out, marching by platoons up 
through the narrow and deserted streets with no one to cheer 
and no one to make afraid. Occasionally some belated 
traveler or vagrant would turn to watch our progress. It 
was not until the band had come together and commenced 
a lively air that the streets were enlivened by the lights 
from door and window, but they were generally quickly 
closed again, for it was nothing but a ''Yankee parade '■ in 
the estimation of the majority. 

We reached the barracks in the early morning, but 
received no accommodations at all until eight o'clock, when 
comfortable quarters were assigned to the field and staff 
officers and to each company. 

Benton Barracks, at this time, was a Camp of Instruc- 
tion and were occupied by several regiments of infantry and 
one regiment of cavalry under the command of Brigadier- 
General S. K. Curtis, U. S. A. 

The barracks were named at the request of Major-Gen- 
eral Fremont in honor of his father-in-law. They were 
pleasantly located, some three miles west of the city, and 
were very extensive, including the old Fair grounds and 
some three hundred acres beside. The barracks proper were 
constructed on the border of an oblong square inclosing one 
hundred acres wdiich was used for parade and drill purposes, 
and the appearance presented here, at times, was calculated 
to awaken enthusiasm in the most obtuse. 

For the first few days, there seemed to be a general 
revulsion of mind occasioned by the strange scene and the 
consciousness of having suffered a great change in social and 
culinary arrangements. We had but just begun to realize 



ORDERED TO WILLI AMSPORT. 13 

that pork, beef, beans and hard-tack were the "'staff of life" 
for the soldier, and the continuous use of this provender, 
badly cooked, was calculated to engender a bad temper. 
The post sutler was the only alternative, and the extor- 
tionate prices for little delicacies in the way of fruit and 
cakes made one wonder, besides making him sick. All were 
soon familiar with the new routine of life; and in going 
through camp, scenes of contented comfort and enjoyment 
were apparent. 

The soldier is ever the creature of circumstances, and 
we had made up our minds to take "things as they came," 
and let care go drifting; and the leisure time was employed 
throughout camp in games at cards, dancing, and practical 
jokes. 

Arms for the regiment were received October l(5th, 
1861, but as they were of inferior kind the men protested 
against them. General Curtis stated that they were for 
drill purposes and for the protection of the camp, and that 
as soon as possible they should receive better ones; which 
explanation was satisfactory. 

After being in barracks for some days, sickness among 
the men became manifest, and it was not an unusual matter 
to have one hundred and fifty report at "sick call"' in the 
morning. Many of this number were pure malingerers, of 
course, and reported merely for the purpose of being ex- 
cused from duty, which was becoming too onerous and 
"played out," in their parlance, and wishing to escape drill, 
they reported to the surgeon for an excuse. 

It had been intimated, and we had reason to believe 
that we were to be sent to General Sigel's division, but 
while waiting for transportation. Colonel Ward H. Lamon, 
Marshal of the District of Columbia, arrived on the 26th 
day of October with an order from General Fremont for us 
to proceed to Williamsport, Maryland, to join Ward H. 



14 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Lam on' s brigade, which was then organizing, and was to be 
assigned to General Banks' division of the Army of the 
Potomac. 

The order directed us to leave camp on the 29th of 
October and proceed to Leesburg on the Potomac via Alton, 
Terre Haute and Indianapolis. Our wish would have been, 
by the way of Chicago ; but it was considered that too much 
risk would be run in the matter of losing men. 

For some reason the departure of the regiment from 
St. Louis was deferred until October 31st, 1861, and the 
destination changed to Hagerstown, Maryland. 

The journey from St. Louis to Hagerstown occupied 
thirty-six hours. The incidents of the trip were diverse and 
exciting. Everywhere along the line we met with hearty 
welcome, amounting to ovations in some instances. At the 
isolated farm-houses, the inmates came to the portal waving 
us onward and giving us God-speed to our destination and 
our mission. 

At Indianapolis a collation was bountifully spread and 
partaken of Avifch thankful hearts, seasoned as it was with 
cheering words at the hand of youth and beauty (feminine 
gender). The regimental band under the enthusiastic Lace 
gave them some patriotic airs, and we sped onward, travers- 
ing a beautiful and picturesque country down the valley of 
the Beaver and Ohio rivers until we reached Allegheny City 
at four p. M., November 1st. 

AVe crossed the river, and were soon in Pittsburgh, 
where a delegation from the "Soldiers' Aid Committee" 
escorted the regiment to rooms over the city market and 
where we were plentifully fed with the staples of life, to say 
nothing of the luxuries. 

The boys put" away the "hash," as they termed it, with 
decided relish under the waiting hands and smiles of the 
patriotic women of Pittsburgh. 

At this point we were transferred to the Pennsylvania 



AT PITTSBURGH— HARRISBURG. 15 

railroad, under the gaze of curious thousands who liad 
gathered to look at au Illinois regiment. 

As we moved off, the grand hurrahs of the men and the 
encouraging smiles of the women were sufficient to satisfy 
even the most apathetic among us. The cars provided for 
us were very comfortable, and numbered some twenty-six 
aside from the baggage train, and three locomotives were 
attached to draw us onwards. 

In passing through the train we found the men to be 
unanimous in the opinion of having been well treated in 
Pittsburgh, and it was amusing to a great degree to listen to 




SuppEB AT Pittsburgh. 

their talk. Some were convinced that old Pennsylvania was 
the most hospitable State in the Union. " Didn't they treat 
us well!" says one who had a box of cigars, a package of 
tobacco and a drinking cup that had been presented to him. 
Others would only admit that it was second to Indiana— 
^'For didn't they do it brown for us in Indianapolis!" 
There was gratitude on every side, and we were thankful 
that the generous people had been so thoughtful for us. 

At midnight we commenced the ascent of the mountain 
and many were the wishes that the darkness of night might 
be changed to day until the passage was made^ that we 
might enjoy the scenery. 



16 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Some hours were occupied in making the transit, and 
occasionally we caught glimpses of awful chasms and fright- 
ful precipices; sometimes were whirling along unbroken 
ridges, then thundering through dismal tunnels cut through 
massive rock; then as we commenced the descent, our speed 
was sometimes alarming; but the only satisfaction obtained 
was the clangor of the chained wheels as they slid along the 
rails, awaking shudders for our safety. 

November '2d, at three o'clock p.m., we reached Harris- 
burg, after following along the historic Juniata and the 
broad and beautiful Susquehanna rivers. 

We remained sufficiently long to transfer our train to the 
Cumberland Valley railroad, and were soon rolling on again, 
and reached Mechanicsburg, a lively and very pleasant city, 
and one that will remain " green'''' in the memory of more than 
one connected with the " Phalanx," for as we entered the town 
a large number of young ladies met us at the depot, from 
the Seminary near by, each bearing the colors we go to 
maintain. 

Some of the officers and men were so fascinated that 
they jumped from the train and hastened to pay their 
respects, thus taking lead of the Field and Staff, who were 
so importuned that at last ihey consenied to show themselves 
- — all being modest and retiring men. 

A merry time was had in the few moments that we were 
permitted to stop. The whole population of the town had 
seemingly turned out to greet us, and those who remained 
behind were seen at the doors and windows with fluttering 
handkerchiefs and waving hats. 

At half -past six p.m. we reached Carlisle, our Colonel's 
old home, and who called our attention to the barracks 
where he had spent many years as a soldier. 

On reaching the station we proceeded to the hotel for 
supper, much to the annoyance of the engineers, who blandly 
told us that they woiild not stop longer than five minutes; but 



WELCOME AT CARLISLE. 17 

we soon ended the controversy by asserting that we would 
remain until our supper was finished, well knowing that their 
duty would not be compromised, as there were no trains to 
meet and no trouble to encounter except their willfulness; 
and we enforced our point by giving orders to have the 
brakes put "hard down " in case they attempted to start, and 
many of the boys who had been up to the "trick" before, 
were only too glad to obey; and the train was soon under 
" martial law." 

On leaving the supper-table we found the non-commis- 
sioned staff and men enjoying themselves heartily in making 
the acquaintance of the many ladies who had gathered 
along the train and who were presenting edibles and smiles 
in one motion gratuitously; and there are many of the old 
"Phalanx" who will cherish thoughts of that occasion for all 
time. 

Carlisle lies about fifty miles from the border of Vir- 
ginia, and in the track of rebel invasion, and the inhabitants 
of the town were in constant fear of such a disaster as was 
realized in the partial destruction of their place in 1863, 
during the passage of Lee's army through to Gettysburg. , 
The railroad runs through the main street of the town, and 
notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, the streets were 
full of people to welcome troops who were going to the front 
to place themselves between them and danger. The ladies 
seemed to preponderate, and the boys, when they left the 
train to stretch their legs, were quite taken by surprise 
to find so much beauty and such a loving welcome as was 
extended. One would have thought that they had all come 
to meet some long-absent brother or son, so demonstrative 
was their greeting. The boys, after recovering from their 
surprise, rather enjoyed the affair, and much regretted that 
it could not be continued indefinitely or taken along. 

It was eight o'clock before we were started again, and it 
will be remembered that every town we passed through was 



18 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, 

illuminated with bonfires and lights placed at the windows 
and portals of the houses — in fact a perfect ovation had 
been tendered the command from its first starting out to the 
end of the journey. 

We reached Hagerstown, Maryland, at midnight, but 
did not leave the cars until morning, on account of the rain 
which had commenced to fall some hours previously. 

At six o'clock we removed from the cars, during a tem- 
porary lull in the storm, to the market house, which was 
kindly placed at our disposal and where the morning ration 
was disposed of. The city was very quiet; but few of the 
citizens (principally negroes) gathered around to look at 
us. At twelve m., November 7th, the baggage train and 
ambulances reported from Williamsport. The train was 
speedily loaded and we started out, in a drenching rain, for 
our destination. The march occupied two hours' time, but 
it Avas not a gloomy one notwithstanding the heavy rain and 
driving wind. There was no complaining, for every man 
behaved himself as a soldier, and the vivacity of spirit and 
elasticity of step was wonderful in consideration of all the 
circumstances. Ofiicers and men were soon wet to the skin, 
and it was only occasionally that some of the more effemi- 
nate reported back to the ambulance for shelter. 

Williamsport, the " Omega" of our tramp, was reached 
at three o'clock p.m., and we proceeded to take quarters in 
several vacant warehouses on the banks of the canal, as it 
was deemed impossible to pitch the tents on account of the 
high wind and incessant rain. 

But one incident had occurred to mar the pleasure of our 
progress from St. Louis, Mo., to Williamsport, Md. Before 
leaving Pittsburgh, Private Daniel Neal, of Company K, 
while the car in which he was riding was at rest upon a 
bridge (the train having stopped for repairs), missed his 
footing upon the platform and was precipitated down through 
the trestle-work a distance of forty feet. Fortunately the 



PRIVATE NEAUS MISFORTUNE. 19 

bed of the stream beneath was shallow, and he escaped 
drowning ; but when picked up it was found that he had suf- 
fered a severe concussion of the spinal column, with fracture 
of two of the processes of tlie dorsal vertebrae. The lower 
limbs were paralyzed. He was taken aboard the cars again 
and made as comfortable as circumstances would permit, and 
on reaching Pittsburgh he was placed under competent care 
at Dr. Waller's Surgical Infirmary. After recovery he re- 
joined the regiment at Arlington Heights, Va., in 18()4. and 
was discharged by reason of physical deformity. 



CHAPTER III. 



Making Encampment — Regimental Hospital — Measles — Death of Lieuten- 
ant Richardson — His Burial — How the Surgeons were Treated — Rem- 
iniscence of Washington — Refugees — The Thirteenth Massachusetts 
Volunteers — A False Alarm — Porte Crayon — Colonel Light's Dismissal 
— Meeting of Company OflScers — Colonel Osborn Promoted to the 
Vacancy — Thanksgiving, and How Observed. 



A FTER a good night's rest in our provisional quarters 

we removed to a camping-ground about one mile from 

the town, it being located on the summit of a broad ridge 

near the river, from which and the enemy's pickets it was 

closed from view by a belt of heavy timber. 

The regimental hospital was established in the town, 
having appropriated a large brick structure, formerly a hotel, 
for the purpose. It was capable of containing about one 
hundred patients, and was soon repletely full by reason of 
an epidemic of measles which broke out about this time 
among the men of the command, aside from other and fre- 
quently recurring diseases incident to camp life. The medi- 
cal officers of the regiment treated some three hundi'ed cases 
of measles in this hospital without the loss of a single life; 
but afterwards, the sequelae frequently occasioned death. 

While here, First-Lieutenant Joseph AV. Richardson, of 
Company A, was taken sick with typhoid fever. He received 
the best of care at the Globe Inn, where he was quartered, 
but after a painful illness he succumbed to the disease, 
November 17th, 1861. The ladies of the house contributed 
a very pretty wreath of flowers, and the regimental colors, 
furled with crape, were hung at the window of the room where 
he lay. He was buried with military honors on the banks of 



I 

I 



DEATH OF LIEUTENANT RICHARDSON. 21 

the Potomac river, between two hostile armies — the friends 
and foes of the Union. 

The regiment had no arms at this time, and upon request 
to Colonel Leonard, commanding the Thirteenth Massachu- 
setts and the Post, to send a firing party, he responded with 
his whole regiment, which turned out with the Thirty-Ninth 
to do the last sad offices for the dead lieutenant. This, per- 
haps, is the only instance during the war where two regi- 
ments, at the front, attended the burial of a soldier, no matter 
of what rank. Chaplain McReading read the impressive 
burial service of the Masonic Order, to which the deceased 
belonged, and soon after the hills echoed the salute which 
Massachusetts fired over the grave of a patriot son of Illi- 
nois. 

The medical officers remained in town for the reason 
that the hospital was located there, but each morning either 
the surgeon or the assistant rode out to camp at seven o'clock 
A.M. to hold '"sick call.'' There seemed to be an organized 
fellowship among members of the several companies to give 
the "doctor" a waj'm reception at each visit, and no sooner 
did we reach the outline of camp than a perfect howl was 
sent up in which could be distinguished expressions such as 
-There comes old Salts! Castor 0-i-l-l !! Quinine!!!" 
etc., etc., and which was echoed and re-echoed from one end 
of camp to the other, making a most unpleasant strain upon 
the sensitive tympanums of the doctors. 

The medical officers, however, had the opportunity for 
revenge among the large number that always presented for 
excuse from duty (mainly malingerers), by repeating the 
doses of salts and oil and quinine, and personally attending 
the administration. 

The practice of catharticism among the men was ren- 
dered almost absolute by reason of the continual gourman- 
dizing of indigestible rubbish from the sutlers, and it was a 
matter of surprise that no more sickness was engendered 



22 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

from the inordinate stuffing that was continually practiced; 
but perhaps the epsom salts so lavishly dispensed was the 
antidote, and, be it known, a six months' supply was consumed 
in the short space of six weeks. 

Opposite the Potomac House in the town, was a quaint 
structure that possessed more than common interest, and 
around which many reminiscences of the past clustered that 
are still dear to every American heart. It was in this liuild- 
ing that General George Washington, while looking for a 
site for the national capital, made his headquarters and 
remained for the space of two weeks. Williamsport was a 
locality he had in view at one time, but some circumstance 
changed it to the present locality. 

We were close upon the rebels here, and could see 
their pickets daily pacing along the high ridges of the 
opposite shore of the Potomac river, and sometimes we had 
a view of large numbers of cavalry who were scouting and 
continually driving the Union-loving men and women from 
their homes, besides plundering and destroying their proj)- 
erty. 

Williamsport was full of refugees that had been forced 
to leave their homes on account of their loyal sentiments. 
It was also full of spies, who, under the most strict surveil- 
lance, managed to communicate with the enemy on the 
opposite shore. There were rebels in the town, too, but they 
were securely lodged in the guard-house. 

The regiment, at this time, had no arms, but were daily 
expecting them, and as a consequence we felt ourselves to 
be in a very lame condition, with no means of offense or 
defense except what nature had provided. 

The Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, then quar- 
tered in town, were armed with the Enfield rifle, and besides, 
there were several companies of cavalry well-mounted and 
armed, and a section of battery of rifled cannon. 

It was promised that two more regiments, one from 



A FALSE ALARM. 



23 



West Virginia and one from Pennsylvania, would soon join 
us, and then it was proposed to cross the river, proceed to 
Martinsburg, thirteen miles distant, Avhere there was some 
five thousand of the enemy with heavy ordnance, and we, of 
course, were going to dislodge them and establish a new 
base of operations; but 

" The well-laid plans of mice and men 
Gang aft aglee; " 

and so in this instance we suffered disappointment. Had 

we crossed the river, the example of General Patterson, who 




THE CAMP KITCHEN. (FROM PHOTOGRAPH.) 

Avas our predecessor, would not have been followed, for we 
had no sympathy with the rebellion. 

November 10th, 1861, there was some indication of an 
attack, judging from the preparations that were making on 
the opposite bluffs, but it eventuated in nothing but a scare. 

A little episode in our history grew out of the matter, 
however, which was very personal in its application. At 
about nine o'clock P. M. the "long roll" sounded through 
camp, and it being our first experience with it, an unusual 
excitement and commotion was soon established. Every 
man, it is presumed, fully believed that the " Secesh " v/ere 



24 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

coming, full tilt, from tlie fact that various rumors during 
the day had prepared them to give credence to almost 
anything. While the alarm was being sounded, the men 
were seen slinging their knapsacks and grasping anything 
that Avould serve as a weapon before taking their place in 
the line that was forming, and, strange to say, a perfect 
alignment was made in the space of three minutes' time. 
The band came out with their instruments in one hand and 
a carpet-bag in the other, each member looking somewhat 
bewildered. The females in camp, and there were several, 
the wives of enlisted men, who had come out as laundresses, 
were in a maze of bewilderment and fluttered about with 
bundles of clothing in their arms and slung over their backs, 
fully intent on preserving their effects from what would soon 
be (in their belief) a plundered camp. 

After the line was formed, the regiment was put in 
motion and maneuvered about for some little time, when it 
was dismissed by the colonel with some explanations. 

The men were unanimous in considering it a good joke, 
but confessed to a bitter disappointment that their fears had 
not been realized. 

While we were at Williamsport we made the acquaint- 
ance of David Strother, but more familiarly known as 
"Porte Crayon" from his pen and pencil sketches. Heat 
the time was engaged in scouting, and frequently made his 
appearance at the Potomac House where he would spend a 
social evening. We took much pleasure in entertaining him, 
well knowing him as a literary acquaintance and a staunch 
Union man in his sentiments and actions. He was after- 
wards on the staff of Major-General Banks, and before the 
close of the war had the commission of colonel. 

In the latter part of November, 1861, Colonel Austin 
Light left the regiment by order of the War Department. 
The reasons for his dismissal are well known to many 



DEPARTURE OF COLONEL LIGHT. 25 

who were present with the regiment at the time, and therefore 
it would serve no good purpose to repeat them here. 

AVhat was reported as to Colonel Light's conduct while 
a corporal in the U. S. Army, may or may not have been 
true. Even if it were, it is the opinion of the writer ( wlio 
was acquainted with all the circumstances), that there was 
no justification for his removal. 

The order caused a painful surprise. The men had 

become much attached to him, for he was an efficient officer 

and a kind-hearted man. The men marched in a body to 

headquarters to bid him good-bye. The Colonel thus 

addressed them: 

''Fellow Soldieks, OfficeEvS and Gentlemen of the Thiety-Ninth: 
It has pleased the War Department through the influence of some political 
intrigue. I know not how else, to deprive your Colonel of his command. 
As I leave you, I must say that I have found you soldiers such as command 
my respect and such as I should be proud to lead against the rebels now 
in arms. I must now bid you farewell." 

As he passed through the ranks, on his departure, 
every head was bared and much sorrow expressed in many 
ways. 

As soon as it Vas known that our "Light" had gone out 
we went to work to get a new colonel. 

The company officers were at first bitterly opposed to 
supplying the vacancy by promotion, and held a meeting on 
the night of Decendier 4th, in tlie parlors of the Potomac 
hotel for the purpose of choosing a man to fill the vacancy. 
The first choice was William J. Wyatt, of Illinois, and the 
second Thomas Morgan, of the same State; but notwithstand- 
ing this action on their part, the Governor promoted 
Lieutenant-Colonel T. O. Osborn to the colonelcy. Major 
Orrin L. Mann to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and Captain S. 
W. Munn, of Company A, to the mayorship, and matters 
were soon adjusted to the satisfaction of all parties. 

December 5tli, Colonel Leonard, of the Thirteenth 
Massachusetts regiment, commanding the post, received 



26 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

orders from Washington to send forward, without delay, all 
the troops he could to re-inforce General Kelly, at Romney, 
Virginia, who was said to be creeping down to engage the 
rebels and re-open the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. 

We had not as yet received our arms, although assured 
that they were at Hagerstown, and consequently could not go 
to the assistance of General Kelly. 

The health of the command at this time was excellent, 
the measles having run their course, three hundred and fifty- 
three cases having been treated in the short space of two 
months, aside from other diseases. The mortality list Avas 
small indeed, the only deaths in the command, being Lieu- 
tenant Joseph Richardson, from typhoid fever; Private 
William Parrish, of Company G, from organic disease of 
the heart ; and Private Henry Hoisington, Company B, from 
tuberculosis. 

Thanksgiving Day came, bringing with it a suspension of 
all but necessary duties, and likewise a considerable number 
of turkeys and chickens whose age, lineage and previous 
history were not especially inquired into, having been pro- 
vided by the genius who watches after the Avants of the 
soldier. Several officers were invited to dinner in town with 
the officers of the Thirteenth Massachusetts ; others dined at 
the house of Captain Kennedy, of the First Maryland 
Infantry. In the evening a grand ball was held at the Globe 
Inn, and largely attended, but did not prove particularly 
interesting, on account of the scarcity of women for partners. 
But a "staof" -dance being better than no dance at all, the 
fun was continued until the small hours of a very fog-gj 
morning in more sejises than one. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Arms for the Regiment — Orders Received to Guard the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad — Depart for Hancock, Md. — Cross the Potomac River to 
Alpine Station — Posting of Companies — Surmises and Expectancy — 
"Stag" Dances — The Colonel and Terpsichore — Swan Family — Fort 
Osborn — Scouting — Applejack — Enemy Approaching — The Detached 
Companies — How Quartered — Berkeley Springs — The Strother Fam- 
ily — Expedition to Bloomer's Gap — Commotion in Camp — The 
Chaplain and Lieutenant Belcher, etc. — Dr. Clark goes to Bath — 
Colonel Osborn's Official Report of Operations at Bath and Other 
Places — General Imboden's Account of Jackson's Expedition. 



n^HE DAYS passed uneyentfully by, the hours filled out 
with the monotouous routine of camp duties, with the 
exception of the stir occasioned on the arrival of arms 
for the regiment in the early part of December. They were 
the Springfield rifle -^ a most excellent and serviceable 
weapon^ — -and the men were jubilant over the possession, , 
having considered that they were only half soldiers with no 
means of offense or defense. 

December 15th, 1861, the regiment broke camp and 
departed for Hancock, Md.. some sixteen miles distant, the 
camp and garrison equipage being transported by canal- 
boat. It arrived at Hancock on the following day, after 
bivouacking at Clear Spring over night, and at once crossed 
the Potomac river to Alpine Station, Ya., having orders to 
guard the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. 

The various companies of the command were distributed 
as follows: Companies A, B, C, and F at Alpine Station 
and vicinity; Company E at Sir John's Run, six miles dis- 
tant up the road in the direction of Cumberland; Company 
G, at Great Cacapon bridge; and Companies D, K, and I at 



28 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



Bath or Berkeley Springs, six miles in the interior, back 
from the river. The regimental headquarters were estab- 
lished at Alpine, taking possession of the vacant house 
belonging to Johnson Orrick, then a member of the Con- 
federate Congress, and who had removed his family to 




Map of Our Campaigns in Vibginia and West Virginia. 



Richmond. The hospital was also established at this place. 
The Orrick mansion was spacious and roomy; but nothing 
had been left behind to facilitate the comforts of keeping 
liouse, being an exception to the quarters found by the com- 



AT ALPINE STATION. VA. 29 

pany officers at Batli and other places. There was, however, 
good stabling for horses, with plenty of hay and grain. 

The cold December days and the long dreary nights 
here were full of surmises and expectancy, with now and 
then a stirring rumor of the approach of the enemy. Aside 
from this, there was nothing to excite or amuse. By way of 
variety, an occasional dance would be indulged in, and many 
will remember that it was while quartered in the Orrick 
house that Colonel Osborn learned his first steps in the 
contra-dance from Phil. Lace, the band leader; and so capti- 
vating did it prove for the gallant Colonel that it was 
reported that he was often seen, in the dead of night, 
careering around with his shadow reflected on the wall by 
the light of a candle. But this, doubtless, was somewhat 
imaginative. 

Alpine Station consisted of a few straggling houses. 
The only family of any prominence left there was the Swan 
family, made up of father, mother, and two daughters — all 
pronounced rebel sympathizers. The old gentleman was such 
a dyed-in-the-wool rebel that he was accommodated with 
quarters in the calaboose over at Hancock in charge of Captain 
Fox, who commanded a detachment of the Thirteenth Massa- 
chusetts stationed there. One of the daughters, Miss Fannie 
Swan, was no less bitter in her hatred of the Yankees, and 
there was little reason to doubt that she possessed among her 
other accomplishments, that of a spy, and she was placed under 
constant surveillance. The Western men found considerable 
more favor in her eyes, however, than those from Massachu- 
setts, and at times she was disposed to be most gracious. 
The assistant surgeon of the regiment had especially ingra- 
tiated himself, and she had so worked upon his sympathies 
that he received permission from Captain Fox to take her 
father home to spend Chrism as day ; and in this way the 
doctor and a few others got a solid dinner. But the doctor 
did not enjoy it overmuch, having to keep the old gentleman 



30 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

in mind all the time, being responsible for his safe retnrn at 
a specified hour. 

Some earthworks were thrown up near the Orrick house, 
for the protection of headquarters it was supposed, that was 
christened Fort Osborn ; but there was never occasion for 
their use. 

The men of the various companies stationed at Alpine 
and other places were kept constantly busy, often being sent 
out in scouting parties and frequently returning with prison- 
ers and horses, or whatever else was considered contraband 
of war. And they rather seemed to enjoy it, too; for in this 
wise the commissariat was often replenished with something 
more palatable than pork and hard-tack. It will be remem- 
bered that when a scouting party under command of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Mann were out on the road leading to Mar- 
tinsburg they overhauled the house of a noted secessionist, 
bringing to light from the cellar some five barrels of old 
apple-jack, which, by order of the Colonel, was condemned to 
make a puddle in the road, notwithstanding it was fifteen 
years old and the party very thirsty. All they succeeded 
in getting, however, was a good long smell. 

Information received almost daily from various sources 
gave indication that the enemy were preparing to attack in 
force. Encounters frequently took place with the rebel cav- 
alry and we were kept in a state of constant expectancy and 
vigilance. Night alarms Avere frequent — generally resulting, 
however, in nothing more than a momentary panic and a 
disturbance of rest among those off duty. "The hour was 
not yet come," but we felt it to be approaching. The de- 
tached companies at Bath were exceedingly well provided for. 
Company D, Captain Linton, was quartered near the bath- 
houses. Whetlier they improved their opportunities to keep 
clean is somewhat uncertain. Company I, Caj^tain Phillips, 
was stationed upon Warm Spring ridge, overlooking the 
town, and the captain and his lieutenants occupied a large 



BATH, OR BERKELEY SPRINGS. 31 

three-story stone house, the former occupants of which had 
left behind much costly and elegant furniture, such as 
mahogany bedsteads, large mirrors, marble-top tables, etc.; 
and when we had occasion to visit his quarters the captain 
did the honors in regal style. Company K, Captain Wood- 
ruff, was also stationed on the ridge, and fared sumptuously, 
while Lieutenant Muhlenburg, in command of a section of 
battery of the Fourth U. S. Artillery, occupied the court- 
house. He used to remark that court was in session every 
day and at all hours, and that there was a standing invitation 
to call up and see his friend Judge Applejack at any time. 

All Avill remember Muhlenburg and the good service he 
rendered with his two pieces at Bath and Hancock, January 
3d and 4th, 1862. He was small in quantity but immense in 
quo/ity — a jovial, breezy fellow, and a smart, intelligent and 
brave officer. Death claimed him some time in 1863. 

Bath, or Berkeley Springs, had been the great "watering 
place"' and summer resort for Southern people, and the 
inhabitants had received their principal support from the 
many pleasure-seekers. It is situated at the foot of Warm 
Spring ridge, and lovely scenery surrounds the place. The 
house at the Springs was occupied by the Strother family, 
and in it was a large collection of paintings executed by 
" Porte Crayon " and mostly sketched by him while on a tour 
through Italy. The Strothers were a loyal family, as was 
also that of Judge Pendleton, living near by. They always 
extended a heai'ty welcome and fully sympathized with our 
presence among them. 

On January 2d an expedition was sent out from Bath 
to reconnoitre and ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy. 
After proceeding out on the Martinsburg road some six miles 
it returned without encountering anything in the shape of 
armed rebels. 

During the morning of the ensuing day a negro came 
into camp and reported to Major Mann that the whole of 



32 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Jackson's army was moving on Bath and that the advance 
could not be more than five miles distant. 

Acting upon this information Captain Linton, of Com- 
pany D, with sixty men, was ordered out on another scout. 
Major Mann, with several cavalrymen, accompanied it. After 
proceeding some four or five miles in the direction of Mar- ' 
tinsburg, the advance of what proved to be Jackson's forces 
was met and a lively skirmish ensued, which resulted in one 
man being wounded and nine taken prisoners. The enemy 
was held in check for some time by the excellent manage- 
ment of Captain Linton, who divided his command into some 
five or six sections, each under command of a sergeant, and 
made a show of a much larger force than was present, and 
by their excellent knowledge of the skirmish drill, for which 
this company was noted, it made good its retreat from the 
large and constantly increasing numbers of the enemy. 
Major Mann, who was mounted, had a narrow escape from 
capture; the good running qualities of his young stallion 
saved him. The company made good its return to Bath, 
reaching there after dark, and was not followed by the rebels. 

The news reached camp in a very exaggerated form, 
and by the time it reached Alpine Station it had become 
alarming. The writer had gone, late in the afternoon, to 
visit some patients in the hospital across the river at Han- 
cock, and was returning when he met Surgeon Blake and 
Colonel Bowles, the latter of whom gave an invitation to go 
over to his house and listen to some music that Lieutenant 
Brucker and his daughter were executing in great style. 

We accepted, remaining at the house until about nine 
o'clock P.M., when we started to cross the river to Alpine. 
On reaching the ferry we heard a great call for the ferryman 
from the opposite shore. The first voice recognized was that 
of Chaplain McEeading, who was vociferating most lustily, 
"O-o-o! ferryman! ferryman!! for God's sake come over 
quick! The Thirty-Ninth has been cut all to pieces!" Then 



PREPARING FOR THE ENEMY. 33 

followed a stronger and more excited voice that we recog- 
nized as belonging to Lieutenant Belcher, of Company K, 
He was shouting like a "Stentor"' — notwithstanding the 
presence of the chaplain: "Ferryman! O-o-o ferryman!! 
G-d d — n your soul, why don't you hurry up with that boat! 
Do you want to have us all gobbled up?" The ferryman 
was in his shanty, but had retired for the night and was 
totally oblivious to all the noise ; but we speedily roused him, 
thinking that some great disaster had overtaken the troops 
at Bath, and were soon in the skiff and across to the opposite 
shore, where we met two of the most frantic and impa- 
tient men ever encountered. Nothing could be found out 
that was at all satisfactory. All that could be learned 
was that the troops at Bath were all cut to pieces. Major 
Mann a prisoner, and that they were going for the Eighty- 
Fourth Pennsylvania regiment, that had that afternoon 
reached Hancock from Williamsport. 

Doctor Blake returned with them and followed them to 
the headquarters of Colonel Murray, commanding the Eighty- 
Fourth. The Colonel was found, and as he after Avards 
stated, "The two men acted as if they were crazy, I could 
get no definite idea of what had occurred, or where it had 
occurred, or by whose orders they were sent to me." As 
soon as Blake appeared on the scene he gave the Colonel the 
topography of Bath, and matters were explained and made 
more satisfactory. Colonel Murray said that his regiment was 
in a poor condition for a fight, as they had just received their 
guns (the Belgian musket), and they were full of tallow, and 
his men were now busy thawing them out, but he was ready 
to obey orders. 

The Avi'iter, when he reached the Virginia shore, 
proceeded to headquarters but found no persons except the 
members of the regimental band and a few other non-com- 
batants, all of whom were much excited, and getting their 
traps together for a retreat on the first apj)earance of danger. 



34 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

A snowstorm had set in during the early part of the evening 
which did not add much comfort to the situation. The 
Swan family was greatly excited, and no doubt were much 
pleased with the prospect of getting rid of the Yankees. 
They, however, called for protection — not from any fear of 
the rebels, but they were afraid that our boys, in case they 
were driven across the river, might commit some overt act 
in the spirit of revenge. They Avere not gratified, however; 
the only satisfaction given was to place a guard at the house 
to prevent any member of the family leaving the premises. 
On the morning of the 4th of January we received some 
intelligent information of what had transpired the previous 
day, and which has already been given to the reader. Early 
in the day we caught the sound of artillery firing and knew 
that the enemy were advancing on Bath. No medical officer 
being at that post. Assistant Surgeon Clark was ordered to 
proceed there at once, which he did, reaching there safely, 
but found only one wounded man — Private Lankinaw of 
Company D, and he had been shot through the calf of the 
leg on the previous evening. There was a cessation of 
hostilities towards noon and Doctor Clark returned to Alpine 
for instruments and dressings. The official report of 
Colonel Osborn regarding this affair is here inserted. 

Headquaetees Thiety-Ninth Regiment 
Illinois Volunteebs. 

Hancock, Md., Jan. 8, 1862. 
To Geneeal Landeb, Commanding Division. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit a report of our late skirmish with 
the rebel forces under General Jackson, 

While we were guarding the Baltimore and Ohio railroad from Hancock 
or Alpine Station, Va., to Great Cacapon, on the 19th of December, 1861, 
in obedience to orders from General Kelly, then commanding division, 
the Thirty-Ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers under my command 
crossed the Potomac at Hancock to the Virginia side and were stationed 
as follows: Companies A, B, C and F, at Alpine Station; Company E at Sir 
John's Run; Company G with Captain Dikes' Company (Second Maryland 
Volunteers) at Great Cacapon; while Companies D, K, I and Lieutenant 



THE FIGHT AT BATH.— GEN. OSBORN'S REPORT. 35 

E. D. Muhlenburg with one section of Captain Best's Batterywere stationed 
at Bath, Va., being the advanced position, and the key to our whole line. 

The position of the artillery was such as to command the Martins- 
burg and Winchester roads. Scouts were sent out daily at different points 
along our whole line, but no intimation of the approaching rebels was 
received until the third day of January at four o'clock p. m., when informa- 
tion reached us that a large force of the enemy were advancing on our 
lines. For the purpose of ascertaining their whereabouts Captain Russell 
(who reported to me the day before, by order of General Kelly) was 
detailed with thirty of his cavalry to scout in the direction of Martinsburg 
from Alpine Station. Major O. L. Mann and Captain Linton with thirty 
of his men and five of Captain Russell's cavalry proceeded from Bath on 
the Winchester road, and Captain Slaughter with a small portion of his 
command took position upon Great Cacapon mountain,' commanding a 
view of the valley between Great Cacapon and Warm Spring mountains, a 
distance of three miles, where he discovered a rebel force which he esti- 
mated at three thousand. Captain Russell reported a force of from six to 
eight hundred infantry and two cavalry companies which were bivouacked 
on the Martinsburg road about seven miles from Alpine Station. 

Major 0. L. Mann and his party had proceeded about four miles on 
the Winchester road, when they discovered some fifteen of the rebel 
cavalry whom they pursued until they were fired upon by about one 
hundred and fifty rebel infantry who in ambush had awaited until our men 
had passed, doubtless designing to cut off their retreat; but they were 
disappointed. Our brave boys returned their fire, driving them from their 
position, killing five of the rebels, including one lieutenant, wounding 
several and making good their retreat with the loss of three slightly 
wounded and eight taken prisoners. 

In anticipation of a general attack by a much superior force at an 
early hour on the succeeding morning, our men were kept in readiness for 
immediate action. I also telegraphed to General Kelly for support, who 
promptly replied that the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteers would come to 
our assistance by eight o'clock the next morning, and also instructed me 
to call on Colonel Murray of the Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
who was lying at Hancock on the opposite side of the Potomac. At ten 
o'clock Colonel Murray, who had just received his arms, which were in 
rather a greasy condition for immediate action, crossed the Potomac five 
hundred and fifty strong and proceeded to Bath to strengthen that 
position. 

At four o'clock on the morning of the fourth of January our forces at 
Bath took position on Warm Spring Ridge, overlooking Bath, and near our 
artillery. 

At Hancock Station Company A took position on the hill command- 
ing the road to Winchester; Companies B and C commanding the road to 
Martinsburg and Sleepy Creek; and Company F, Mount Alpine, and Com- 



36 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

pany G (Captain Slaughter), at Great Cacapon, with a detachment of 
twenty-two men under Lieutenant Rudd, at Great Cacapon mountain. 

At about nine o'clock the rebel cavalry made a demonstration by 
driving in our pickets on the Martinsburg road leading to Alpine, when 
Captain Russell with twenty-five of his cavalry, and Lieutenant Sella rds of 
Company B with sixty infantry, were ordered to proceed in that direction 
to check their advance. At the same time the rebels appeared in the 
woods on the left of our forces at Bath, and a lively skirmishing fire was 
kept up on both sides; but our position was such that we lost no men, but 
a number of rebels fell under the fire of the artillery and our long-range 
Springfield rifles — Lieutenant Muhlenberg doing good service in holding 
the enemy at bay much longer than we could otherwise have done. 

At about three o'clock p.m. the rebels appeared in full force, variously 
estimated at from ten to fifteen thousand, with twenty-two pieces of cannon. 
Colonel Murray, fearing being surrounded by such an overwhelming force, 
and believing that he would not be able to hold his position at Bath, 
ordered a retreat by way of Sir John's Run, which was accomplished in 
good order. Companies I, K, and D of the Thirty-Ninth covering the 
retreat. 

The Thirteenth Indiana Volunteers were met near Sir John's, but too 
late to afford any assistance. At this point the artillery, together with the 
companies above mentioned, forded the river (there being no other means 
of crossing). Captain Hooker with forty men remaining to defend the point 
from the Maryland side, the Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers pro- 
ceeding down the railroad to Hancock. 

In the meantime a column of the enemy, consisting of three regi- 
ments of infantry and two pieces of artillery, advanced upon our position 
at Great Cacapon. Lieutenant Rudd, of Company G, being posted upon 
the mountain, selected a position near a bend in the narrow road which he 
knew the column must pass. He and his men knelt and awaited its 
approach, and not until the foremost files were within twelve rods, was 
their presence suspected. At this critical moment they coolly delivered 
their fire, and several of the enemy were seen to fall, whUe the head of their 
column was thrown into confusion. Taking advantage of this, they 
retreated to another shelter on the road, thus holding them at bay until the 
darkness of night covered them before the rebels dare descend the moun- 
tain. 

At about six o'clock the enemy succeeded in planting their cannon 
and opened fire upon the Union troops stationed at Hancock, and which were 
placed behind a natural barricade of brick walls aligned on the principal 
street. The ball opened at last, and the command was kept in a most 
horrid situation for the following twelve (12) hours by the booming of 
Jackson's cannon and the reply of our two (2) pieces of ordnance of the 
Fourth U. S. Artillery commanded by Lieutenant Muhlenberg, U. S. A. We 
held our own and were receiving reinforcements. 



GEN. IMBODElSrS ACCOUNT OF THE AFFAIR. 37 

The next morning there was a signal for a " flag of truce," from the 
command of Jackson and Loring. Lieutenant-Colonel O. L. Mann with 
proper escort and a boat went over to Alpine Station, and brought back 
with him Colonel Ashby, of the cavalry, blindfolded. He was taken to head- 
quarters under an escort, and made known his wishes and demands, 
which, of course, were not acceded to. 

The day was spent in desultory firing, and as evening approached a 
huge bonfire was lighted, consuming all our stores except what could be 
carried away, and the few buildings, with the exception of Swan's and 
Orrick's, were soon in ruins. The next morning there was no enemy 
in sight. Very Respectfully, 

Your obed't servant, 

T. O. OSBOKN, 

Colonel Thirty-Ninth Illinois, Commanding. 

General Jiio. D. Imboden, in his article on " Stonewall 
Jackson in the Shenandoah,''' in the June Century Magazine, 
1885, says: 

Jackson's only movement of any note in the winter of 1861-2 was an 
expedition at the end of December to Bath and Eomney, to destroy the 
Baltimore and Ohio railroad and a dam or two near Hancock, on the 
Chesapeake and Ohio canal. The weather set in to be very inclement about 
New Year's, with snow, rain, sleet, high winds and intense cold. Many in 
Jackson's command were opposed to the expedition, and as it resulted in 
nothing of much milita:ry importance, but was attended with great suffer- 
ing on the part of his troops, nothing but the confidence he had won by 
his previous services saved him from personal ruin. * * * * 

In that terrible winter's march and exposure, he endured all that any 
private was exposed to. One morning, near Bath, some of his men having 
crawled out from under their snow-laden blankets, half frozen, were 
cursing him as the cause of their sufferings. He lay close by under a tree, 
also snowed under, and heard all this; but without noticing it, presently 
crawled out too, and shaking the snow off, made some jocular remark to the 
nearest men, who had no idea he had ridden up in the night and lain down 
amongst them. The incident ran through the little army in a few hours, 
and reconciled his followers to all the hardshijis of the expedition, and 
fully re-established his popularity. 



CHAPTEE V. 



The Rebel Force and its Object — Bath the Key to the Position — Captain 
Linton's Reconnoissance — The Enemy Advance — Reinforcements — 
Retreat from Bath — The Skirmish at Big Capon — A Rebel's Account of 
it — Account by Lieutenant Savage — Affairs at Alpine — The Assistant 
Surgeon's Advance and Retreat — The Passage of the River — Muhlen- 
berg's Good Service — A Conflagration — A Flag of Truce, and How 
Received — Waiting for the Bombardment — A Reconnoissance and 
What was Discovered — Some Reflections — The Hospital — Orders to 
March. 



rpHE force under Generals Jackson and Loring was vari- 
ously estimated to be between twelve and fifteen thou- 
sand men with forty pieces of artillery, and the object of the 
movement was supposed to be, in the first place, to capture 
the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, then cross the Potomac at Alpine, 
make a raid through the border of Maryland and Pennsyl- 
vania, and by moving rapidly to Cumberland, get in the rear 
of our forces under General Kelly at Rqmney, Va., and by 
severing their communications, and cutting off their retreat, 
compel the surrender of the entire Federal force operating 
in l^aryland and Northern Virginia. 

Bath was the key to the position held by the Thirty- 
Ninth, and was naturally a very strong position and easily 
defended. On the north of the town was a range of high 
hills, or they might be classed as mountains, that extended 
for many miles from this point up and down the Potomac 
river. At this point for some miles in either direction was 
the only gap through which a military force could reach 
the river. These lofty heights commanded all the roads 
leading from the interior into Bath, and the Gap itself was 
favorable for a vigorous defense. 

38 



CAPT. LINTON'S RECONNOISSANCE. 39 

AVe will noAv go back a little so that we may arrive at a 
better understanding of this affair at Bath. 

On the morning of the third day of January, 1862, Cap- 
tain Samuel S. Linton of Company D was ordered to make 
a reconnoissance by Lieutenant- Colonel Mann, commandingf 
at Bath, and after he had proceeded about five miles in the 
direction of Martinsburg he encountered the advance of 
General Jackson's army. A brisk skirmish ensued, in which 
the enemy was checked with 'considerable loss, and Captain 
Linton fell back on Bath with a loss of nine men only. The 
morning of January 4th Jackson advanced his whole force. 
The three companies of the Thirty-Ninth which had been 
reinforced on the previous day by the Eighty-Fourth 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, took up a position on the heights 
on Warm Spring ridge, the artillery of Muhlenberg being 
planted in a commanding position. A brisk action took 
place lasting for the period of an hour, and notwithstanding 
the overAvhelming number of the enemy under the command 
of one of the best of the Confederate generals, the position 
taken by our force was so strong and "sucker" grit so far 
above the average that every attempt made by the enemy to 
carry the heights was repulsed with heavy loss. During the 
entire day the rebels were held in check, and it was not 
until the shades of evening were gathering, and learning 
that the rebels were flanking the position some distance 
above, that our weary men fell back in good order to Sir 
John's Bun and crossed the river into Maryland. The 
enemy's force then divided, one portion folloAving on to Sir 
John's Bun and Great Cacapon, the other taking the direc- 
tion to Alpine Station. At Sir John's Bun there was but 
little fighting, if any, as our men had already retreated, but 
at Great Cacapon where Captain Slaughter with Company G 
was stationed, a number of sharp skirmishes took place. 
Night was already setting in when Lieutenant Budd of Com- 
pany G, in order to allow the balance of the command to 



40 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 




mm ¥ vmy^^ 

nil '^ ;/' 'I ll/V I Vi^J 



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ill ^ 1^ -^<^^'M 



THE SKIRMISH AT CACAPON. 41 

retreat, called for twenty volunteers, and proceeded at their 
head to take position in a narrow defile through which 
the enemy must pass, and here he awaited the advance of 
Magruder's brigade, which had already commenced the 
descent of the mountain, planting two pieces of artillery, 
and commenced firing. 

Lieutenant Rudd awaited patiently until the advance 
Avas within twenty rods of his line, when he gave the order 
to fire, which had the effect of turning the rebel advance into 
a complete rout, when the Lieutenant and his men retreated 
in good order, safely rejoining their comrades who had fallen 
back to the Cumberland road on the Maryland shore. 

In corroboration of what has been said in relation to 
this affair there is presented here the statement of William 
C. Dutcherage, of Dove Park, Arkansas, who was a member 
of the Third Arkansas Volunteer Infantry that participated 
in this raid. He wrote up the history of his regiment some 
years ago and it was published by installments in the Wasli- 
ingfon World before it became merged into the National 
Tribune. He says: 

After, some brisk skirmishing with the Yanks at Bath, in which a 
number were captured and we had compelled them to retreat, Stonewall 
Jackson divided up his command — he going in person with two brigades 
to clean out the Yanks at Sir John's Run and the Yankee force opposite 
Hancock on the Virginia side, while the brigade that I belonged to was 
ordered to Big Capon to burn the railroad bridge. We left Bath about six 
o'clock in the evening, reaching the Big Capon mountain about seven 
o'clock. There General Magruder ordered the regiments to form in line 
of battle, the Third Arkansas taking the advance. We had two pieces of 
light artillery. We muffled the wheels, so the Yanks would not heai; us 
coming down the mountain, and had a good deal of fun among ourselves 
thinking how nicely we were going to outwit the Yankees. We slipped 
down the old Bath pike leading to Big Capon, and could see dim lights once 
in a while at the bridge. We slipped along carefully until within about 
thirty rods [of the bridge, it is presumed] and opened fire with both pieces 
of artillery, and several volleys of musketry. The Yanks returned the 
fire so quickly and sharply that we retreated out of range of their guns, 
leaving our artillery on the field. The next morning we advanced to the 
Big Capon, but not a Yank in sight. Some of the natives at Big Capon 



42 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

hooted at us for being such cowards as to let about one hundred Yankees 
get away with such a big crowd as you'uns. 

We had five men wounded and one killed; his name was John Kelly, a 
New Yorker. We buried him where he was killed, destroyed the bridge and 
then returned to Bath.* 

The following is from the pen of Lieutenant Amos 
Savage, who participated in the skirmish at Great Cacapon, 
and will give some needed information. He says: 

About twenty-five men of Company E, from Sir John's Run, under 
Lieutenant Whipple, joined us just before the fight. These men, with 
about as many more of Company G, were stationed at the railroad trestle- 
work bridge. About twenty-five men under my command were stationed 
at the ford, six or eight hundred yards above the bridge, the balance of 
Company G being stationed along the Cacapon between the two points 
before mentioned, under Captain Slaughter. 

The rebel force attacking us was the Third Arkansas and Thirty- 
Seventh Virginia, with two pieces of artillery, and was commanded by 
Colonel.Rust, of the Third Arkansas. (See "Life of Stonewall Jackson," 
page 267). 

The attacks at the bridge and ford were nearly simultaneous and 
were made, as near as I could judge, by a regiment at each place. Both 
wers repulsed, and the affair appears to have been regarded as quite seri- 
ous by them, as it was not until the next morning when reinforced by 
General Loring that they ventured to renew the attack on the bridge, 
which, being no longer held by our men, was occupied by them with no 
other annoyance than that occasioned by the fire of a squad of men who 
had waded the Potomac and opened a scattering fire on them from the 
north bank of the river. 

At Alpine Station on January 4th all was excitement. 
We knew that our boys were engaged with the enemy at 
Bath, but as to what extent and how progressing nothing was 
known. Colonel Osborn spent most of his time at the tele- 
graph office, sending dispatches to Generals Lander and 
Kelly for reinforcements and receiving orders. 

*The above information was given by J. W. Nelson, of Company E, 
now living at Renssellaer, Ind. He states that he became so interested in 
Dutcherage's account of this afifair at Bath that he wrote to him and they 
corresponded for about two years. He states that Dutcherage was a Re- 
publican and was postmaster at Dove Park, Ark. The last letter received 
from him stated that the d — d Bourbons had notified him to leave. 



EXCITEMENT AT ALPINE STATION. 43 

Dr. Clark returned from Bath about noon for instru- 
ments and supplies and reported that at the time he left all 
was quiet and our force was holding its own, and it was 
supposed that the enemy were trying to flank the position. 
He started again for Bath at two o'clock and had proceeded 
some five miles, reaching a position overlooking the town, 
when he saw that it was useless to proceed farther as the 
rebel cavalry were swarming over the hills to the west of the 
town, and taking position on the road leading to Alpine. 
Nothing could be seen of our troops and he presumed that 
they had retreated in the direction of Sir John's Bun. He 
immediately turned and made his way back to Alpine, nor 
hesitated long on the order of the going, reaching Alpine 
soon after four o'clock. He reported to the Colonel what he 
had seen, and acting on this information Osborn ordered 
Major Munn wdth two companies, A and F, to take position 
in ambush commanding the defile through which the enemy 
must pass in order to reach Alpine. In the meantime there 
was great activity and more confusion at the various quar- 
ters. There were urgent calls upon the quartermaster for 
transportation. He had but two wagons, and one of these 
was over on the Maryland side of the river, and the other 
was already loaded with quartermaster and commissary 
stores; but room was finally made for officers' baggage and 
it was started over the river. The hospital stores had to be 
abandoned, all that was saved being a few books and instru- 
ments. Orders to hurry up intermingled with considerable 
profanity at the seeming stupidity and slowness of servants 
and orderlies, w^th shouts now and then that the rebels were 
coming — all this was certainly calculated to turn one's head, 
be it ever so well balanced, and especially when was added 
the certainty of there being an enemy in our immediate front, 
and a wide river in which ice was already forming, in our 
rear. The evening was decidedly chilly and the duskiness 
of night fast closing about us as the rebel cavalry approached 



44 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

aud prepared for a charge. And soon they came down the 
road with a yell and a clatter, but had not proceeded more 
than a hundred yards, when the command under Major 
Munn with a well-directed volley of musketry gave them 
such a surprise and proved so effective that the rebels 
concluded not to advance any farther, only a few riderless 
horses carrying out the original intention, which were 
captured. The enemy had been so effectively checked that 
time was allowed for the four companies of the Thirty-Ninth 
and the Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who had 
retreated to this point from Bath via Sir John's Run, to 
cross the river to Hancock. Three-fourths of the command 
were compelled to wade, the water reaching to the shoulders 
of the tallest, while the shorter ones were almost submerged. 
One man belonging to the Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania 
Regiment was reported drowned in making the passage. 

The passage of the river at a temperature considerably 
below the freezing point was a most trying ordeal, and 
resulted afterwards in much sickness. As the men emerged 
from the water, the frosty air gave their clothing a most 
uncomfortable stiffness. 

There was no time for change of clothing, for the com- 
mand was immediately marched up into the town and placed 
in alignment along the principal street, running parallel with 
the river, to afford shelter from the shot and shell of the 
enemy, who had by this time j^lanted several pieces of 
cannon on the brow of the bluff opposite Hancock and com- 
menced throwing shot and shell. No fires were permitted, 
and the condition of some of the men was most pitiable. 
Mulilenl)urg had already got his two guns in position and 
returned the fire for the space of an hour or more with so 
much effect that the rebel guns were silenced for the night. 
Fortunately but few of the enemy's shells had exploded and 
but little damage occasioned. The citizens of Hancock were 
badly frightened, and those who could, were busily engaged 



THE RETREAT FROM ALPINE STATION. 



45 




46 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

in removal. Thus passed the night. Shelter and oppor- 
tunity was given the men as far as possible to change or dry 
their clothing and prepare coffee. Reinforcements were 
constantly arriving through the night, and early the follow- 
ing day General Williams with a brigade arrived; also 
General Lander, who assumed command. We were astir 
early on the morning of the fifth of January and patiently 
awaited developments. The enemy could be plainly seen 
over at Alpine and on the bluffs, but all was peaceful. 

At ten o'clock a. m. a white flag was raised and seen 
advancing to the border of the river on the opposite side, 
which indicated that the enemy wislied to communicate, and 
Lieutenant-Colonel O. L. Mann, who had been appointed 
provost-marshal that morning, with a small detachment in 
command of Sergeant Myers was ordered to cross the river 
to receive it. He soon returned bringing Colonel Turner 
Ashby, of some cavalry fame at that time, and proceeded 
direct to General Lander's headquarters, Ashby being blind- 
folded. On the way over he enquired of the boys, "AVhat 
regiment do you belong to? " he was answered "The Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois!" "My God!" said he, "Where .in h— is 
not the Thirty-Ninth! they seem to be ubiquitous." He 
doubtless was thinking of the many different places he had 
encountered the Thirty-Ninth on the previous day. 

General Lander received Colonel Ashby in a room in 
which was the telegraph office, and thinking that Ashby 
might understand telegraphy removed to another room where 
he read the communication from General Jackson. In this 
message Jackson demanded the surrender of the LTnion 
forces, saying that he had fifteen thousand men and it was 
his intention to cross the river, and that if he was opposed 
that he should bombard the town. It also stated that two 
hours' time would be given non-combatants to leave the place, 
at the termination of which he would open fire. General 
Lander read it carefully through and his reply was at once 



THE FLAG OF TRUCE. 47 

emphatic, forcible and characteristic. Turning to Ashby he 
said: "Colonel Ashby, give my compliments to General 
Jackson and tell him to liombard and be d — d ! If he opens 
his batteries on this town he will injure more of his friends 
than he will of the enemy, for this is a d— d secesh place, 
anyhow." Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, thinking the interview 
terminated, commenced to replace the bandage over Ashby's 
eyes prior to leading him forth, when General Lander, hav- 
ing reflected somewhat on his answer, said : "Hold on! Take 
a seat, Colonel Ashby. General Jackson has addressed me 
in a polite and soldierly manner and it demands a like reply. 
I take back all that I have said and will write what I have to 
communicate." This was done, and as Lander placed the 
missive in his hand, he said: "General Jackson and yourself, 
Colonel Ashby, are gentlemen and brave men, without a 
question, but you have started out in a God d^ — d bad cause" ! 
and shaking hands with him, Ashby departed. He was 
returned safely to his lines, and afterwards, without making 
much preparation, we patiently awaited events. The citizens 
were busily engaged, meanwhile, in hustling out of town, 
bringing into service all sorts of vehicles and conveyances. 
Our forces were so placed as to be concealed from view, and 
we had a very respectable one, suflicient at all events to pre- 
vent the enemy crossing the river at this place. At the 
expiration of the two hours the garrison flag of the Thirty- 
Ninth was run up to the top of the old liberty pole standing 
in town and we anxiously waited for the opening of the 
promiiied bombardment. At last two shots were fired over, 
one of which, a small six-pounder solid shot, was picked up 
and is now in the possession of Captain Hiram Phillips, of 
Bloomington, 111. These shots did no damage, and only 
served as an invitation for our batteries to respond, which 
they did in a brisk manner and kept it up for the space of 
an hour. The enemy did not return the fire, but we could 
see their troops in motion and it was evident that they were 



48 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

withdrawing from Alpine. But at nightfall it was appar- 
ent that the enemy was busy in sacking Alpine, as fires 
were lighted in many places and soon all the houses save the 
Swan and Orrick property were in conflagration, lighting up 
the country surrounding for miles. 

The following day a reconnoissance was made over the 
river by some of the Thirty-Ninth, who found matters and 
things at the station pretty badly demoralized. The Swan 
family had removed, bag and baggage, and no one was 
found to give us any information. The Swan house, as 
well as the Orrick, was found to have received the many 
compliments in shape of shot and shell that we had sent 
over, and both were badly damaged. The railway had been 
torn up and the rails twisted and bent with fire, and all the 
railway property destroyed. Where our medical dispensary 
had stood there was nothing but a mound of ashes. All was 
ruin and desolation. 

Proceeding up along the road to Bath we found a num- 
ber of newly-made graves, and several of them were occu- 
pied by soldiers who had perished from cold, for the weather 
had been exceedingly severe and the men in Jackson's com- 
mand from Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas had suffered 
extremely. 

Many notes addressed to the Thirty-Ninth were found. 
Some were couched in terms of bitterness and hostility, 
some complimentary and conciliatory, but all exhibiting 
evident respect for the pluck and fighting qualities of West- 
ern men. 

Here is a sample copy of one that was addressed 

"TO THE BOYS OVER THE WAY." 
"We are about to leave you, and our comfortable quarters to your 
tender mercies. If you should happen to pick up anything lying around 
here, I expect that you will want to keep it as a slight token of our regard, 
or send it home. How much better it would be for the 'liberty boys' if 
they would go home themselves and leave us poor rebels to enjoy freedom 
in their own way. Company G, 1st Reg't Geobgia Vol's. 



A DIPLOMATIC SOLDIER. 49 

" P. S. We are poor rebels and cannot offer a more valuable keep- 
sake, but hope you will prize it from the spirit in which it is given. 

" Col. J. W. Ramsey, 1st Georgia Vol's. 

"P. S. Go home, boys! go home!! We owe you no ill will further 
than results from your efforts to conquer the Freemen of the South. We 
will go home gladly when we have effectually defended our borders. 

" Company G." 

Jackson's army that had started out on this raid from 
Winchester animated, no doubt, with high hopes of easily 
gobbling up an Illinois regiment, and cheered by the pros- 
pect of foraging among the quiet hills and valleys of "My 
Maryland" and the neighboring border of prosperous Penn- 
sylvania, had been most grievously disappointed. He had 
gained absolutely nothing; but had lost seriously by battle 
and exposures, and certainly he had not won any renown, but 
instead had experienced the bitter mortification of having 
been held at bay with his entire army of fifteen thousand men 
for nearly a day at Bath, and for hours at different points, by 
mere detachments from an Illinois regiment, who by delay- 
ing his progress gave ample time for the Federal forces to 
concentrate their strength and turn him back empty-handed 
from the very thi'eshold of Maryland and victory. This 
affair might have had a more sorrowful and tragic ending' 
had Jackson fully understood the number of our troops and 
their disposition. 

On January 3d his cavalry had captured several of our 
mea, one of whom was taken before Jackson who questioned 
him closely about the number of the Union forces in his front. 
This man proved to be an able diplomat and was equal 
to the occasion. In reply to the question as to the number 
of troops, he stated (and it must have been believed) that 
we had on the Virginia side of the river between six and 
seven thousand men, and that before leaving camp that 
morning it was reported that General Banks' army had 
reached AVilliamsport on its way to reinforce Lander. It was 
possible, and could have been accomplished with comparative 



50 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



ease, for Jackson with liis large force to have captured us all 
by making a vigorous push on the third of January, but the 
cautious feeling of his way proved our salvation. 

We recrossed the river, after having accomplished our 
mission, and went into quarters at the Old Tannery, the 




Stonewall Jackson. (Taken from Life.) 

most of our tents and garrison equipage having been lost for 
the want of transportation. 

A hospital had been established by Surgeon Blake up 
in Pennsylvania, near the border, having found a suitable 
building that had served the purpose of a church or school 
house. The Doctor had located there at the time of the 
threatened bombardment of Hancock by Jackson, and it was 



GEN. MANN'S ACCOUNT OF SKIRMISH NEAR BATH. 51 

not thought best to make any change as our stay at Hancock 
was very uncertain. 

The Thirty-Ninth was pursuing a sort of independent 
existence, it not having been brigaded as yet. The brigade 
that was to have been organized by Ward H. Lanion and to 
which it was to have been assigned was never more heard 
of after reaching Williamsport, Md. 

We remained at Hancock until the evening of January 
11th, 1862, when orders were received to march to Cumber- 
land, Md. The reason for this move was said to be that 
Jackson was after the military supplies stored at Eomney, 
Va., and General Kelly had ordered the Thirty-Ninth, 
the Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania, and the One-hundred-and- 
Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteers to make a forced march to 
the assistance of the force already there and that were to be 
concentrated at New Creek, Ya. 

In concluding this chapter I give room to General O. L. 
Mann's version of the skirmish and retreat from Bath, as 
follows : 

In the afternoon of January 3rd, 1862, Major Mann, who was 
stationed at Bath in command of three companies of the Thirty-Ninth, 
received a call from a very excited negro who urged him ' In de name of 
de Lawd ' to get out of the town at once. The African had traveled about 
ten miles on the road from Winchester and was overflowing with start- 
ling news. He said that General Jackson with his entire army was mov- 
ing on Bath, and could not be more than five miles away. A scouting 
party had been out about seven miles on that road in the morning and had 
returned without having seen the enemy. Major Mann tooli Captain 
Linton and sixty men, and after marching about four miles out met the 
advance of Jackson's army. Captain Linton deployed his men to the right 
of the road and Major Mann and Lieutenant Belcher of Company K, who 
were mounted, and two cavalry couriers kept the road. In a short time the 
men were briskly engaged by rebel cavalry and infantry. Seeing that 
they were largely outnumbered, Captain Linton retreated after a brisk 
skirmish and the loss of nine men taken prisoners. 

Major Mann was cut off from his road of retreat and was nearly made 
a prisoner by Ashby's cavalry, but the good running and jumping qualities 
of his young stallion helped him to gain shelter in the thick timber and 
finally to reach camp, bringing with him Lankinaw of Company D, who 



52 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

had been shot in the leg. (He was the first man to be wounded by the 
enemy, in the regiment.) 

Captain Woodruff of Company K, who had heard the firing from his 
position at Bath, had so disposed of his troops as to make the best defense 
possible. The rebels, however, did not follow up the retreat that night. 

It is now known that one of the men who had been captured (his 
name is forgotten) proved himself a most accomplished liar, for when 
taken before General Jackson, the interview is believed to have resulted 
much to our advantage. He assured the rebel chieftain that General 
Kelly had not over five thousand men at Bath, but that he understood before 
leaving camp that General Banks was crossing his entire army at Sir 
John's Run and at Hancock, and was expected at Bath that evening. The 
man knew that he was dealing out large lumps of " taffy " to the General, 
but that it was also a " military necessity." Jackson must have given some 
credence to these "whoppers," for he ordered a halt, and sending for his 
subordinates ordered them to camp in line of battle and be ready for 
action at any moment. Before midnight of the 3d, two Pennsylvania 
regiments (the Eighty-Fourth and the One Hundred and Tenth) arrived. 
Colonel Murray, commanding the Eighty-Fourth, by virtue of rank assumed 
the command, and on being advised of the state of affairs and the location 
of the enemy, deployed his troops to the north and east of the town, and an 
anxious night was passed mid rain, sleet and snow. The following day was 
devoted to skirmishing until late in the afternoon, when the enemy, being 
doubtless convinced that the strength of the Union forces had been mag- 
nificently estimated by their prisoner, determined to surround our force if 
possible. The position was naturally a strong one, and the two pieces of 
artillery operated by Lieutenant Muhlenberg did excellent service all 
through the day in keeping the rebels in check. General Kelly, at Cum- 
berland, had advised Colonel Murray early in the day that the Thirteenth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry would reach us from that place by rail, bringing 
a fresh supply of ammunition, of which Major Mann's command was 
getting short. At sundown, no help reaching us, and the rebels developing 
great strength. Colonel Murray ordered a retreat to Sir John's Run, on the 
Baltimore and Ohio railroad, distant about two miles, and where it was 
feasible to ford the Potomac river to the Maryland side. As they neared 
the station, the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Robert S. Foster, was met. A short council was held which resulted 
in an order to " about face " and fight. After the first part of this order 
had been executed, Major Mann asked Colonel Foster for ammunition and 
was surprised to learn that that officer had but two rounds to his men, and 
had been told that he would get ammunition at Bath. This intelligence 
resulted in another " 'bout face," for the Thirty-Ninth had but two rounds 
left, and the Pennsylvania regiments being armed with guns of a different 
calibre their supply was of no use. Colonel Foster at once ordered his 
men aboard the cars and returned to Cumberland, and the detachments of 



GEN. MANN'S ACCOUNT OF SKIRMISH NEAR BATH. 53 

the Thirty-Ninth and the artillery forded the river. The two Pennsylvania 
regiments retreated down the railroad to Alpine Station, only to ford 
the river later on. After fording the Potomac, a part of Captain Wood- 
ruffs company (K) volunteered to remain there to protect the bridge and 
station. This they did most effectually, the enemy not being able to accom- 
plish this vandalism under the fire of Company K's sharpshooters. The 
other companies proceeded to Hancock. 



CHAPTEE VI. 



March to Cumberland — How Quartered— New Clothing — Ordered to New 
Creek, Va. — Living Aboard the Cars — The Sixty-Second and Sixty- 
Seventh Ohio Volunteers— Sickness— Expedition to Romney, Va. — 
Choice of Positions — Move to Patterson's Creek — Washington's Birth- 
day; How Celebrated — Resolutions — Quinine and Whisky — General 
Lander's Order — His Death — Reconstructing the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad — Visit Bath, Va. — Sad Reports — Foraging Expedition — A 
Practical Joke — Leave the Cars — March to Martinsburg — Harvey's 
Heroism — Meet General Shields — March to Winchester — Reconnois- 
sance in force — Major Munn's Horse is Wanted — Incidents. 



TTTE moved out of Hancock at six o'clock p.m. in advance of 
tlie two Pennsylvania regiments. The night was cold, 
with some considerable snow on the ground. The distance to 
Cumberland was forty miles, our route lying over the moun- 
tains. The experience of the past two weeks had been amply 
sufficient to warrant us in drawing the conclusion that the 
funny and agreeable part of our soldier life had gone glim- 
mering down the vista of time, and we saw little before us 
but hardship and peril. The boys stepped out gaily and 
briskly, singing, shouting and making merry for the first few 
miles, but the grade in the ascent of the first mountain soon 
subdued them into paying strict attention to the business in 
hand. 

We had left behind all our sick and tender-footed with 
Surgeon Blake, who liad been assigned to the charge of the 
hospital by Dr. Antisel, the chief medical officer of Williams' 
brigade which remained at Hancock. 

Every few miles a halt was ordered for rest, but many 
of the men, instead of resting, took advantage of the occa- 
sion to forage for something to eat, and opportunities were 



ORDERED TO NEW CREEK, VA. 55 

not wanting, as tlie country was well settled by thrifty 
farmers whose larders must have suffered severely, judging 
from the amount of provender of all varieties and descriptions 
that found its way back and was distributed along the line. 
We reached Cumberland at four p.m. January 12th, eight 
hours in advance of the Pennsylvania regiments which left 
Hancock at the same hour with ourselves. 

Here the men were distributed around in churches and 
other places, until other arrangements could be made; some 
of the officers, however, took rooms at the St. Nicholas Hotel. 
Russell's cavalry company and Muhlenberg with his artillery 
had preceded iis, and we found these officers already estab- 
lished and ready to show their friends about the city. After 
remaining at this point for the period of five days, during 
which time new clothing was issued to the men, and many 
of our losses made good, we, on the 17th of January, were 
put on board a train of box and platform cars and started for 
New Creek, Va., after having been placed in the Second 
Brigade of General Rosencrans' Division, commanded by 
Colonel Dunning, of an Ohio regiment, acting Brigadier- 
General. 

New Creek was a small station on the Baltimore and, 
Ohio railroad, some seventeen miles distant from Cumber- 
land. It was situated in a mountainous region and made up 
of about a dozen buildings, including the depot. When we 
reached there the whole place was a sea of mud, and we 
were given the privilege of either remaining and making our 
quarters on board the train of cars or making encampment 
in the open field. Owing to the condition of the ground it 
was decided to remain on the cars, and the boys went to 
work transforming them into "sleepers" and dining cars a la 
Pullman, as fast as their limited resources would permit. 
The officers were privileged to lodge and find meals wherever 
they could. Only one tent was erected, and that served for 
the Adjutant's office. We found a regiment of cavalry here 



56 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

which liacl been guarding the long trestle railroad bridge at 
this point, and as frequent attempts to burn this structure 
had been made it was ordered that, instead of proceeding to 
Eomney, the regiment should remain here. 

Soon after arriving at New Creek we were joined by the 
Sixty- Second Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Pond, and the Sixty- 
Seventh Ohio Volunteers, commanded by Colonel A. C. 
Voris, and from whom we were never afterAvards separated 
until they were mustered out of the service. The officers and 
men of both of these commands were fully up to the stand- 
ard and our ideal of what should constitute good soldiers 
and "6o7i comaraderiey The record they made in after 
years and left as an inheritance to coming generations has 
more than justified these few words of feeble praise. 

Rain fell almost continuously during the first week of 
our sojourn here, giving encouragment to those feelings of 
" nostalgia" and general discomfort that, up to this time, we 
had been comparatively free from. Sickness came as a flood- 
tide upon us, due principally to our surroundings, mode of 
life, and confinement in those horrid box cars, and it became 
necessary to take a building and establish a provisional hos- 
pital, which was soon repletely filled with cases of pneu- 
monia, malarial and typhoid fevers. Dr. Clark, the assistant 
surgeon, was the only medical ofiicer with the regiment, the 
Surgeon and the hospital steward, Anthony DeNormandie, 
having remained at Hancock. 

The experiences of both officers and men at New Creek, 
Va., will be remembered as among the saddest and most 
sorrowful of any that were encountered in their history as 
soldiers. On or about January '25tli a portion of the regi- 
ment participated in a reconnoissance in the direction of 
Romney and came in contact with a small body of rebel 
cavalry. A short but brisk skirmish ensued which resulted 
in no particular advantage to either side. It was undertaken 
more for the purpose of diverting the minds of the men and 



MOVE TO PATTERSON'S CREEK. 57 

ofiviiig' them needed exercise, and at the same time to let the 
Johnnies know that the Thirty-Ninth was " still on deck," 
than aught else. When practicable as well as necessary the 
old camel-back locomotive that was •attached to the train 
and always ready for duty in case of need, would take some 
of us into Cumberland for supplies or carry sick to general 
hospital. 

February 7th a most welcome order came to proceed to 
Patterson's Creek, thus retracing our steps back through 
Cumberland in the direction of Martinsburg. We were 
again to be assigned to the command of General F. W. 
Lauder. Colonel Osborn had been offered, however, his 
choice of three different positions : either to remain where we 
then were and construct barracks, or go to Cumberland in 
command of that post, or report to General Lander at Pat- 
terson's Creek, Va., and take the lead on to Winchester and 
reconstruct the railway and bridges of the Baltimore and 
Ohio railway as we went along. Upon consultation with his 
officers it was decided to accept the latter proposition as 
offering the best means to get into more active service. 
Before we could leave it became necessary to stop and repair 
the bridge at New Creek, which the day previous had become 
much warped and twisted by reason of a freshet in that 
stream. This occupied the most part of two days, and when 
at last we did pass over it was very crooked and far from safe. 

The regiment reached Patterson's Creek, thirty-four 
miles distant, safely, February 11th, 1862, still occupying 
the old and dilapidated freight and cattle cars. On reaching 
this place the regiment was placed in the First Brigade of 
Lander's Division. A large brick structure near the station 
was occupied as headquarters and a building taken for hos- 
pital. 

On Washington's birthday, the twenty-second of Febru- 
ary, after dress parade, the regiment was formed in "hollow 
square" that they might more easily hear the reading of 



58 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

some resolutions that had been drawn up expressive of our 
feelings in relation to the great victory at Fort Donelson and 
the bravery of our " Western boys." 

RESOLUTIONS. 

Whebeas: Intelligence has been received announcing in detail the 
victories lately gained in the valley of the Mississippi, in which our fellow 
soldiers of Illinois took such a conspicuous part, showing a courage unsur- 
passed by that of the heroes of modern or ancient times, and a love for 
the Union stronger than the love of life; therefore, 

Resolved: That we, the officers and men of the Thirty-Ninth Regi- 
ment of Illinois Volunteers, having assembled to celebrate the birthday of 
the Father of our country, do seize upon this the most appropriate occa- 
sion to express to them our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the noble and 
heroic conduct which they have everywhere exhibited on the field of battle; 
and that we most heartily congratulate them upon their glorious achieve- 
ments. 

Resolved: That we, as soldiers of the Government of the United 
States of America, will never lose sight of the heroic and patriotic ex- 
amples placed before us by our fellow soldiers of the West; but by our 
conduct whenever and wherever we meet the enemy we will endeavor to 
emulate them, and thus sweep rebellion before us, until peace is restored 
to this fair land, and the Stars and Stripes again wave over every city, 
village and hamlet of the thirty-four states of America. 

Resolved: That while we rejoice over the late victories of our troops 
we shed tears of sympathy for the fathers, mothers, wives, sisters, brothers, 
daughters and sons of those who have so nobly fallen in the defense of our 
country; and that our prayer shall ever be, God protect and comfort them 
in their affliction, and give them the happy assurance that our civil wars 
will soon cease forever, and that no more of their friends shall fall in 
unnatural and fraternal strife. 

Resolved: That the inauguration of that traitor Jefferson Davis as 
president of the so-called Southern Confederacy upon this, the birthday of 
the immortal Washington, is an insult of the deepest dye to the memory 
of the "Father of Our Country" and to every lover of free institutions, 
and that we pledge ourselves to avenge the insult whenever and wherever we 
meet him or his emissaries. 

The resolutions were adopted amid vociferous cheering 
and were followed by some speech-making, after which the 
men were dismissed and we returned to our quarters. 

Malaria was abundant, and it became necessary to give 
the men daily rations of quinine and whisky. In all our 



DEATH OF GEN. LANDER. 59 

after-experience we never encountered so much sickness as 
existed among the men of the regiment at this time. We 
were detained here until March 1st, by reason of repairs 
necessary to be made to the railroad and especially the con- 
struction of a bridge over the creek, before we could advance 
with the train. The order to move was received after mid- 
night, and was accompanied by the following characteristic 
letter from General Lander: 

Headquaeteks, 1 A.M., Mctvch 1. 1862. 

Colonel Osboni: I have intrusted you with a highly important service 
— that of opening the railroad to Martinsburg. If threatened by the 
enemy, call on Colonel Pond, or on General Williams at Hancock; the latter 
may be on the road to Williamsport. You will provide for my tents, camp 
equipage, horses and forage for them at Cherry Run turnout; but it will 
be time enough to look out for this when they arrive. 

If the rebels come on you in force, fight under any circumstances, 
and if you are taken prisoner I will release you to-morrow morning. I 
start on a forced march across the country to cut them off from Winches- 
ter. I commend to your favorable notice Mr. Quincy, who goes down in 
charge of the repairs to the road. Afford him and the telegraph company 
all the aid they may require. 

F. W. Landek, Brigadier-General. 

General Lander's headquarters were then located at 
Paw Paw, Va., and this letter is perhaps one of the last he- 
ever penned, for on March 3d, while at Alpine Station, 
intelligence reached us of his sudden death. We were pain- 
fully surprised and afPected, as we lost in him a valued 
friend and good counsellor. It was presumed that his death 
was caused by an apoplectic seizure. He had retired on the 
night preceding in usual health and was found dead by his 
servant in the morning. The remains were sent to Washing- 
ton, D.C., under proper escort. 

We left Patterson's Creek on March ist on board the 
same old train of cars, our duty being to protect the working- 
men while making repairs to the road. The first stop for 
any length of time was made at Sir John's Eun in the early 
morning of March 2d. Taking advantage of this halt, 



60 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Lieutenant- Colonel Mann and Dr. Clark got permission to 
go over to Bath, and getting their horses from the car started. 

On arriving at Bath a great many changes were notice- 
able in the appearance of things since the ith of January, 
the date of the advent of the rebels. Old Colonel Strother 
had died, his death being hastened by the outrages commit- 
ted by Jackson's troops in consequence of the outspoken 
sympathies of his family for the Union cause. His home 
had been pillaged from cellar to garret and much valuable 
property destroyed. 

Judge Pendleton and family Were still there and gave 
them hearty welcome, together with the sad tale of the 
wholesale destruction of the effects of the Union sympathi- 
zers in the town. Bath was neutral ground at this time, and 
they did not care to tarry long, especially after learning that 
the rebel cavalry frequently made a dash into the town; but 
regarding the importunities of their friends consented to 
remain during the night and were furnished with a room 
in a remote part of the big house by Mr. Randolph, a son-in- 
law of Strother. In the early morning they returned safely 
via Alpine Station, where the regiment had proceeded. 

On leaving Alpine the train passed on to a point called 
Back Creek where a bridge needed repair, and here it was 
obliged to remain for some time. 

While patiently awaiting a forward movement it was 
apparent that the larder of the field and staff was about 
depleted, and something must be done in the matter of com- 
pensation, otherwise known as foraging. We made up a 
party of four persons, exclusive of the guide who was to 
conduct us to the plantation of a noted secessionist six miles 
distant. We started at sun-down, well mounted and armed 
" cr/p-rf-p/e," for it was rather a dangerous experiment, know- 
ing the enemy's scouts to be in the vicinity ; biit it suited 
our adventurous and somewhat reckless dispositions, and 
especially our brave Adjutant Walker, avIio led the party. 




51! 



A FORAGING EXPEDITION. gj 

Keacliing the place after an hour's ride we rode into the 
yard, dismounted, and the Adjutant and Doctor Clark 
approached the door, leaving our companions on guard out- 
side. The door was opened by the lady of the house, who 
bade us enter, which we did and stated our business as beinsr 
in search of articles contraband of war, and an officer of the 
rebel army that was supposed to be in the house. We were 
told to search and satisfy ourselves. 

On opening the door of an adjoining room we were 
somewhat startled to find seated at the supper table three 
stalwart men, and on the wall were slung several guns. 
We were a trifle disconcerted at this discovery, but speedily 
regaining our equilibrium we held a moment's consultation, 
the result of which was for Clark to step to the door and 
order, in their hearing, an imaginary sergeant to take a file 
of men and examine the premises surrounding, the Adjutant 
at the same time placing the occupants of the house in 
arrest and forbidding them leaving their seats. We had 
absolutely surprised this group of men, and by a little 
strategy kejjt them in subjection; otherwise some little 
unpleasantness might have occurred. After a little time 
Clark left the house to participate in the search for proven- 
der, leaving Walker on guard. He found that the balance 
of the party outside had secured several chickens and had 
disturbed a family of ducks, and, to-a-man, were busy in 
chasing them about the yard, hurling stones and other mis- 
siles until a half dozen or more were captured. The noise 
and clatter of the chase from men and ducks could be heard 
plainly, and did not exactly tally with the profession we had 
made, and Walker's position in the house was not envied; 
however, it was carrying out our plan of operations. After 
visiting all the out-houses our plunder, when we were ready 
to start, amounted to six chickens, six ducks, a tub of link 
sausage, a pot of honey and a sack of hickory nuts, which 
were all bagged and sent forward to camp. Now, how to 



62 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

get away was the question. It was finally agreed that two 
of lis should go in and announce loudly to Walker the result 
of our search and state that we considered it necessary under 
the circumstances to place a guard, about the house for the 
night, or until we could receive instructions from headquar- 
ters. This arrangement, Walker said, met with his views, 
and he would himself go and consult superiors. On leaving 
the house we loudly admonished the sentinels (imaginary) 
to allow 710 one to leave it, and then mounting our horses 
sped back to camp, or rather the railway train,, which we 
reached in safety. 

Before leaving the house, however, a noise under the 
bed attracted our attention, and on lifting the valance we 
beheld a young lady who prayed us to spare her life. On 
assuring her that we had no intention of committing any 
outrage, she came out, stating that "she would rather be 
killed than scared to death!" She was much frightened, 
but soon regained something like composure. 

We remained at this place for several days, guarding 
the road, making expeditions to various points and watching 
the heavy-laden trains of soldiers passing on to Martinsburg. 

While at this point Lieutenant Eudd came in from a 
scouting expedition bringing two prisoners, two horses, and 
a large number of turkeys, chickens, etc. One of his pris- 
oners was a Mr. R of the Virginia legislature, and the 

other, a member of Colonel Ashby's cavalry who was home 
on furlough. The experiences of the party were jileasing to 
hear. His first captive was found in a bin of oats, the man 
having covered himself completely, and his appearance when 
called upon to report was most ludicrous. 

After the repair of the bridge at Back Creek we 
advanced several miles to Cherry Run where another bridge 
spanning the deep and narrow stream needed reconstructing, 
and the regiment left the cars and made a temporary 
encampment. 



A PRACTICAL JOKE. 03 

General Shields had been appointed to the command of 
our division, taking the place made vacant by the death of 
General Lander, and he had been expected to re})ort for 
several days. None were more eager for his arrival than the 
Thirty-Ninth, for we knew him to have been a former resi- 
dent of our State, and many of us were familiar with his 
record and reputation made during the war with Mexico. 

Lieutenant Simon S. Brucker, of Company C, had been 
left with a detail of men near the railway station, one-half 
mile or so from where the regiment was in bivouac near 
the bridge, and he had established his headquarters in a 
large residence near the depot. About nine oVdock in the 
evening the quiet of camp Avas broken by the report that 
rapidly spread to the effect that General Shields had just 
arrived at the headquarters of Lieutenant Brucker. The 
night was so mild and bright that Colonel Osborn could 
not resist the temptation to immediately pay his respects to 
the old hero. 

Lace and the band were therefore summoned and directed 
to accompany an informal march of a majority of the regi- 
ment to the place where the General was said to be stopping. 
Colonel Osborn had instructed Lace to play soon after he and 
his staff should enter the house, and in due time General 
Shields should also be called upon for a speech. Osborn 
was met at the entrance to the spacious mansion by Lieuten- 
ant Brucker, who, in response to inquiries from his colonel, 
replied, ''Yes, General Shields is in the parlor. Walk in! " 
The party removed their hats, and put on their most soldierly 
appearance and walked into the room — it was vacant. On 
the parlor table rested a volume which proved to be a his- 
tory of the Mexican War, and which Lieutenant Brucker, in 
answer to many questioning glances, proceeded to open, 
revealing a fine portrait of General Shields and which he 
introduced to Colonel Osborn and staff". 

The pith of the joke was at once visible to all, and while 



64 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the Colonel was deliberating jnst how best to compensate his 
subordinate for the "chestnut" he had proffered him the 
band burst out in the most approved style, " Hail to the 
Chief!" 

It was known that calls for Shields would soon follow, 
and Osborn ordered the Adjutant to notify the command of 
the disappointment. To this Major Munn entered his de- 
murrer, saying the sell was too good not to be shared by the 
rank and file. He insisted that as Lieutenant- Colonel Mann 
could imitate the Irish brogue and blarney to perfection, that 
he should take his place, at the call for Shields, in the shade 
of the large veranda of the house, and, surrounded by the 
officers, should make a speech. Colonel Osborn, after mut- 
tering a mild reprimand to Brucker, finally acquiesced. The 
music soon ceased, when " Shields!" "Shields!" "General 
Shields!!" was shouted by several hundred voices. 

Without the formality of an introduction the Lieutenant- 
Colonel with approved Celtic accent, retaining his position 
well in the background, said: — 

" Me brave boys of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Infantry — " 

Here the balmy air was rent with three cheers and a 
tiger for General Shields, who by proxy continued to say: — 

" Me lips will not express the deep gratification I feel in meeting you 
to-night. [Cheers.] I was once a resident of your great State, and was 
associated in many public movements with our great Commander-in-chief, 
Abraham Lincoln. [Cheers.] It was my good fortune to lead troops from 
that great State, against the enemy in Mexico, and more gallant men never 
marched to the music of the Union than were they." 

This seemed to electrify Captain Phillips of Company 
I, who had served under Shields in Mexico, and he shouted 
out, "That's so! General Shields, and there are several of 
them chaps here to-night." 

" I am profoundly glad to meet you, veterans and heroes of the 
Mexican struggle," continued the General, " and only hope that you and 
your new comrades in arms will prove just as brave and serviceable when, 



MARCH TO MARTINSBURG. 65 

under my humble lead, _you face the frowning forts at Richmond, as yon 
did at Monterey. The eyes of the civilized world are on men from Illinois 
to-day; and believing your acts wiU ever honor your State, I bid ye all, 
Good-night!" 

Lace, the leader of the baud, was the first to discover 
the little deception, and he was anything but amiable until 
he learned that the joke had reached and been shared by all 
alike. The men enjoyed it. 

On the 9th of March, 1862, we received orders to pre- 
pare to leave the cars that had been our home for so long a 
time, and march forward to Martinsburg, ten miles distant. 
AVe had reconstructed the road up to this point, and were 
now to join the balance of the division which had already 
passed by us and meet General Shields (for a fact, this time), 
who was to take command of our division at Martinsburg. 
March lOtli a regiment of loyal Virginia soldiers arrived to 
take our place, and vre moved forward, reaching Martins- 
burg at four o'clock p.m., and were directed to proceed to 
the court-house, where, with the greater part of the whole 
division, w^e were massed in solid column to receive some 
remarks from Gen^eral Shields on the occasion of his assum- 
ing the command. His speech is not sujfficiently well 
remembered to give it place in this history. 

It Avill perhaps be remembered that when our forces 
first entered Martinsburg, the rebellious inhabitants had 
barricaded the doors of the court-house, and had cut the 
halyards loose from the flagstaff with the avoAved purpose 
that no Union flag should float over it. The Thirty-Ninth 
was determined that the Stars and Stripes should fly there 
notwithstanding that the people of the town had announced 
that sudden death awaited those who dare attempt it. A 
member of Company B, of the Thirty-Ninth, Private Lee 
Harvey, who to-day is employed as an engineer on the 
Chicago and Alton railroad, and makes his home at Bloom- 
ington, Ills., volunteered to do the business, and was soon 



66 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

seen getting up the side o£ the building by the aid of 
the lightning-rod, bearing with him a flag. He reached the 
roof and with the same energy he climbed the flag-staff and 
to the top of it nailed the Stars and Stripes where so lately 
had flaunted the stars and bars of the so-called Southern 
Confederacy. This brave act made him the hero of the 
hour. 

After General Shields' address the command moved out 
a short distance from town on the Winchester pike, and 
bivouacked for the night. The following morning at nine 
o'clock we resumed our march towards Winchester, and when 
within two miles of that city went into camp, at about four 
o'clock in the afternoon. The following morning, March 
12th, 1862, after guard mount and the duties of the day 
were disposed of, attention was given to a general cleaning 
up, which was sadly needed after so long a confinement 
in filthy cars. 

Several ofiicers, after " slicking up," as it was termed, 
and which mainly consisted in having their boots blacked or 
greased and attaching a clean paper collar to the shirt, 
received permission to ride into the city of Winchester to 
satisfy a curiosity to see the late stronghold of Secession, 
and the base of operations of Jackson's army. 

General Banks' command was encamped near by and the 
Thirteenth Massachusetts Volunteers was on provost-marshal 
duty in the town. 

After a few days of rest in camp, the Thirty-Ninth was 
ordered to take part in an expedition up the valley; and 
leaving knapsacks and all camp equipage we filed out on the 
morning of March 18th, 1802, to join the balance of our 
brigade, which was already in line, and at half-past nine 
o'clock commenced to move, preceded by a company of 
pioneers bearing axes and followed by twenty pieces of 
artillery. 

During a short halt made in the city, Major S. AV. 



MAJOR MUNN'S HORSE. 67 

Munn, who was riding a horse that had been captured at 
Bath, Va., on the 3d of January, was approached by a young 
and comely lady and a loyal rebel, who after the preface of 
some pleasant smiles and words, remarked that he was riding 
her horse and proceeded forthwith to state the circumstances 
that led to its being captured, and ended by saying that she 
presumed the Major would have the courtesy to return the 
horse to its owner. The Major, as we all know, was an 
exceedingly gallant and gracious man and especially so when 
a handsome woman was concerned. After recoveringf some- 
what from his surprise he said in reply: "Well, madam, I do 
not know about this. The horse, if yours, was found in very 
bad company, and is a legitimate capture from an officer in 
open rebellion against the Government of the United States. 
It is a contraband and confiscation of war and is now the 
property of the government. I am riding it on the present 
occasion, being sadly in need of a horse; perhaps the acci- 
dents of war may restore it to you. Otherwise it will be 
turned in to the quartermaster and sold. I am very sorry 
that I cannot have the pleasure of turning it over to you, 
biit it is not within my power. Good day ! " And the Major 
rode away to the call of duty, leaving the woman much 
chagrined at her failure and doubtless with a less favorable 
opinion of the "Yanks" than she had before. 

The circumstances attending the capture of this horse 
were as follows: During a reconnoisance on January 3d near 
Bath, Ya., under the immediate command of Captain S. S. 
Linton, also accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Mann and 
several cavalrymen, Sergeant Hopkins, of Company D, with 
a squad of men surprised an officer who seemed to be out 
prospecting in a neighboring field, and who, as was after- 
wards learned, was the Adjutant-General of Loring's Brigade. 
Tlie Sergeant commanded him to halt, dismount, and sur- 
render! The officer quickly dismounted, and taking down 
some of the top rails of the intervening fence, gave the 



68 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

horse a stroke that sent him over and into our lines, while 
the officer, taking advantage of the momentary diversion and 
the approach of some of the rebel cavalry, sneaked away 
under cover of the fence and escaped. The horse was cap- 
tured and turned over to Major Munn, who had been with- 
out a horse since his promotion. It was afterwards jointly 
used by him and Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, whose horse had 
been severely injured on this expedition while leaping a ditch 
in efforts to escape capture. At Suffolk, Va., the horse was 
turned in to the quartermaster, and an order was procured 
for its sale, when it was bought by money contributed by the 
officers of the regiment and forwarded to Governor Yates as 
a present — Major Munn taking it to Springfield in December, 
1862, when he left the service. 

As we passed through the streets of Winchester many 
dark and gloomy faces peered at us from doors and windows, 
and some among the gentler sex were even tearful, thinking 
perhaps of our mission and their many dear friends in the 
Confederate service whom we might encounter. 

The streets through which we passed were lined with 
soldiers from General Banks' command who greeted us as we 
passed with cheering words. At times a familiar voice would 
admonish us to "take care of yourself, old boy!" and "don't 
get shot in the back!! " 

The spectacle presented by this moving column, fully 
ten thousand strong, was grand and imposing — the glorious 
old Stars and Stripes waving to the breeze — the various 
bands discoursing lively Union music, and the well-clothed 
and orderly soldiers tramping onward in measured steps. 

" ' Twere worth ten years of peaceful life, — 
One glance at their array." 

We passed at a quick-step through the city and were 
soon joined by General Shields and staff, who took position 
at the head of the column, which was j)i'eceded by the Fifth 



RECONNOISSANCE IN FORCE. 69 

Ohio Infantry and a portion of the First Michigan Cavalry, 
who acted as skirmishers. 

Along our line of travel we constantly saw traces of the 
enemy, who, as we approached, had hastily decamped, leav- 
ing their camp-fires still burning and their forage scattered. 
We found enough of hay and oats to give our horses a good 
feed. 

At a distance of eight miles we reached the small village 
of Newtown, the only remarkable feature of which was the 
absence of the male population. The women were, as it 
seemed, the sole occupants, and exhibited themselves freely 
at the windows and porches of the houses, and it pleased 
them to wear a most forbidding countenance. The only 
delighted and happy expressions were seen in the shining 
faces of the many negroes who had gathered together in 
little groups at various points. 

Several miles further brought us to Middletown, before 
reaching which, however, we noticed a dense column of smoke 
from what we soon learned was the bridge spanning Cedar 
creek, and which had been set on fire by the retreating 
rebels. Soon after, we heard the booming of cannon, and 
an order came to open ranks and let the artillery pass,- 
which came at flying speed; then closing up, we rushed for- 
ward at double-quick to the scene of action, but found no 
enemy to fight. One of the Michigan cavalry was badly 
wounded by Colonel Ashby, in the thigh, and the bone was 
so badly shattered that amputation was necessary. 

We were obliged to bivouac at this point for the night, 
the Thirty-Ninth being ordered to flank the artillery. No 
fire was allowed, and as the night was cold, dark and rainy, 
it was supremely disagreeable; but it being a "military 
necessity" we stood it out patiently. 

The following morning we were up and stirring by the 
time "reveille" sounded, and after sharpening our teeth on 
hard-tack passed on to Strasburgh, a temporary bridge 



70 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 




EXPECTATIONS NOT REALIZED. 71 

having been provided to cross the creek. Our approach, 
however, was careful and well-considered, for now and then a 
shell would come over in our vicinity, which plainly gave us 
to understand that the enemy were not far off. We halted a 
mile from town; the sharpshooters and cavalry were sent 
ahead together with a portion of the artillery, and for the 
space of an hour a brisk skirmish was kept up with Ashby's 
cavalry. We finally entered Strasburgh, and proceeded two 
miles beyond, taking the field instead of the road, as we 
were afraid of masked batteries, and with reason, too, for 
they were soon discovered, and in such position that had we 
kept the road they would have done great damage. The 
enemy constantly directed their fire upon us, but without 
effect, as but very few of their shells exploded. We had 
expected to meet a large force and consequently were drawn 
up in line of battle, and anxiously awaited the conunence- 
ment. Twelve pieces of our artillery were put in position, 
and opened fire, but soon ceased, for we could discover in the 
distance an attempt to stampede and Ashby's cavalry prepar- 
ing for a charge upon the Fifth Ohio in order to give oppor- 
tunity for a successful retreat. 

We waited impatiently for operations to commence, but, 
there was no commencement, and we advanced until darkness 
when the order came to bivouac; and to add to the discom- 
fort a drizzly rain set in and continued through the night. 
In the morning nothing could be seen of the enemy and 
at nine o'clock a.m. we were ordered back to our former 
camp, which was reached at eight o'clock p.m., after a very 
fatiguing march of tvyenty-one miles through the rain, which 
still continued to fall. 



CHAPTEK VII. 



Meet Doctor Owens — David Strother — Reach our Camp — Skirmish with 
Ashby's Cavalry — General Shields Wounded — Battle of Winchester — 
Position of the Regiment — Results of the Battle — Following the 
Army of Jackson — Skirmish with the Rear-guard — Bivouac at 
Cedar Creek — Pursuit Resumed — Woodstock — Edinburg — Permis- 
sion to Forage — Early Start in the Morning — Mount Jackson — 
Charging a Battery — Move on to Strasburgh, the Limit of Pursuit — 
Call on Colonel Nat. Kimball — Supporting a Battery — General 
Shields' Recovery — On the March Again — Fording the Shenandoah 
— Reach New Market — Cross the Massanutton Mountains — White 
House and Columbia Bridges — Luray — Skirmish at Columbia Bridge 
and Hold it — Surprising a Rebel — Seeking to Arrest Colonel Boswell 
— Visit from Plantation Darkeys — A Reconnoissance — March to 
Fredericksburg — Eastern Soldiers — Reviewed by President Lincoln — 
Ordered Back — Departure of Shields — Move to Alexandria — Sent to 
Harrison's Landing. 



A T NEWTOWN, on our return, we met with a Dr. J. W. 
Owens, who invited the Surgeon of the Thirteenth 
Indiana and Dr. Clark to his house, where a good dinner was 
furnished, with the " et ceteras." Before dining he took 
much pride in showing us some of his correspondence with 
Daniel Webster and several European celebrities. We found 
him to be a man of culture and refinement. He was a 
widower; the splendid residence occupied by him being 
chiefly in care of his much-attached slaves. He showed us a 
miniature picture of his late wife, who was a descendant of 
the Washington family, and which he carried in a fold of 
his pocket-book, for the reason, as he stated, that he did not 
know when he might be taken prisoner, and he wished to 
have it with him. He was a most bitter secessionist and 
owned some twenty slaves which, he said, he would soon free. 



72 



SKIRMISH WITH ASHBY'S CAVALRY. 73 

On our return we met with our old friend, David 
Strother ("Porte Crayon"). He is attaclied to the cavalry 
service and was stationed a Manassas, but had been detached 
and put upon General Banks' staflp and was proceeding to 
Strasburgh by invitation of General Shields, who wished to 
avail himself of his topographical knowledge. In speaking 
of the late affair at Bath, he stated that the rebels had done 
him great damage, having destroyed a valuable cabinet of 
minerals — defaced all his paintings and stolen all his 
sketches, — a loss irreparable, and one that money could 
not replace. 

We reached our camp near Winchester at eight o'clock 
P.M., and were glad to get under the shelter of our tents. 

This retonnoissance in force was not attended with the 
results that were anticipated, except that we gained a knowl- 
edge of the enemy's strength and location and cleared the 
way for the advance of General Banks' army, which was 
moving on Centreville. 

The night of March 22nd the "long roll" was sounded, 
and the various reo-iments of our division turned out and 
were soon in lijie and on the march towards Winchester. 
The scene of the affray was located about one mile beyond 
the city, and was occasioned by a body of Ashby's cavalry 
Avho had dismounted and were advancing as infantry, under 
the impression that the Union forces had left, as they had 
undoubtedly witnessed the departure of General Banks' 
army. They came howling and yelling like so many demons, 
but were gallantly met by the First Maryland Cavalry, who 
delivered a fire that killed nineteen of the rebels who fell 
like stones to rise no more. The Thirty-Ninth Illinois and 
tlie Fifth Ohio Infantry took position on the Romney pike, 
but fortunately their services were not demanded, for the 
enemy soon retreated. 

During the little skirmish one of our artillerymen was 
killed, and also the horse he was riding. General Shields 



74 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

was also wounded by a fragment of shell whicli broke his 
left arm. He was soon conveyed to the rear in an ambu- 
lance. 

During the day Captain Gray of Company C had been 
stationed some three miles in advance with his company, on 
outpost duty, and when we met with him, after this skir- 
mish, he told us that he had been engaged more or less 
during the whole day with the advance of Ashby's cavalry 
and had lost two men. 

The whole division was kept on duty during the entire 
night, and the retreating rebels were followed up by some 
five companies of cavalry. 

The succeeding day (March 23, 18(32) ushered in the 
battle of " Winchester," with Ashby's cavalry aiid the whole 
force of Jackson to combat. The engagement commenced 
at ten o'clock a. m., and did not terminate until darkness had 
set in. The Thirty-Ninth occupied the extreme left and 
was not called into action, but did good service in support- 
ing a battery during the engagement. 

The scene of the action was in the vicinity of Kerns- 
town, some four miles in advance of Winchester on the 
Strasburgh pike. Our division was posted as follows: the 
brigade of Kimball on the extreme right. General Tyler in 
the center, and General Sullivan on the left. General Kim- 
ball had command, owing to the disability of General Shields. 
The battle opened with a fierce artillery duel which con- 
tinued until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when the 
infantry became engaged, and resulted in a complete victory 
for our troops after fighting almost hand-to-hand over a 
distance of two miles. 

The carnage was frightful, our division liaving one 
hundred and fifty men killed and three hundred wounded, 
while the enemy's loss amounted to some nine hundred in 
killed and wounded, two hundred and thirty-six prisoners, 
and the abandonment of two field-pieces and four caissons. 



BATTLE OF WINCHESTER. 75 

together with one thousand stand of small arms aiid several 
stands of colors.* 

General Jackson, it was said, had made the boast in 
the morning that he would enter Winchester in time for 
evening service at the churches ; and so confident were the 
women that he would be successful that they were preparing 
a banquet for him, but it proved as true in this case as in 
many others that 

" There's many a slip between cup and lip;" 

and instead of entering Winchester he was fast retreating on 
Strasburgh with a crippled army. It was at this battle that 
General Jackson received the "soubriquet" of '•'■ Sioncivall 
Jackson " from the fact of his having taken up with a posi- 
tion behind a stone wall which resulted most disastrously to 
our men while making a charge. 

Our men had had nothing to eat since the early morn- 
ing and it was not until nine o'clock p.m. that the commissary 
reported with rations. 

The men lay on their arms all night, and a bitter cold 
night it was. The following morning General Banks returned, 
but too late to be of any service except in the matter of, 
directing the pursuit, and it devolved upon the Thirty- 
Ninth to lead the advance, which was continued to Stras- 
burgh. Our march during the day was continually inter- 
rupted and made disagreeable by the continued assaults of 
the rear-guard of the enemy, who, with two pieces of artil- 
lery, were throwing shells amongst us; but their fire was 
returned with interest, and as we advanced we could perceive 
• " 

*The battle and the victory at Winchester was considered so import- 
ant, occurring as it did after the Bull Run disaster, that President Lincoln 
and his cabinet paid a visit to the battle-ground. The victory at Winches- 
ter was bravely won, but not without the sacrifice of many good and 
valiant men. The troops were complimented by General McClellan, and 
General Shields personally complimented them upon opening the campaign 
on the Potomac, and advised us to inscribe Winchester upon our banners. 



76 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

that our fire had been effectual from the number of dead and 
wounded that had been left to our mercy. 

We bivouacked for the night at Cedar creek. The 
pursuit was continued the following morning (Tuesday, 
March 25), and as we pushed forward the rebel cavalry and 
artillery seemed to have disappeared; but more or less skir- 
mishing was kept up with the enemy's rear-guard until we 
went into camp near Woodstock. This toAvn was a county- 
seat and was built up along one street, and as we entered at 
one end the rebels left at the other. The enemy had planted 
a battery of artillery upon an eminence at the further side, 
and our artillery took position on a rise of ground opposite. 




Feesh Pobk foe Suppee. 

the town lyin^ between, and a brief but lively cannonading 
took place. A shell from one of our guns struck a large 
brass ball upon the cupola of the court-house, splitting it in 
halves. General Ashby's horse was also killed under him. 

We soon moved on and went into camp at the town of 
Edinburg, and here, as we were sadly short of rations, per- 
mission was given to forage ; and as the woods were full of 
hogs there was soon no lack of provender in the flesh line. 
We remained at this place until April 1st, when we were 
called upon at one o'clock in the morning to advance. We 
passed through the town, our advance-guard driving the 
pickets of the enemy. The rebels, however, made but little 
resistance. About sunrise Ave reached Mount Jackson, a 
town of some six hundred inhabitants, and here the enemy 



FIBST CHARGE OF THE THIRTY-NINTH. 77 

set fire to the cars and tlie bridge before retiring; but our 
cavalry liastened forward and after a light skirmish in which 
one man was killed and three taken prisoners the bridge was 
saved. Jackson endeavored to make a stand on the heights 
across the river, but Shields succeeded in flanking his posi- 
tion and he moved on toward Staunton. Here it was that the 
Thirty-Ninth made its first, if not its most brilliant charge. 
On Hood's Hill, nearly a mile distant, there was discovered 
what was supposed to be a masked battery. No men were 
visible, only the mouth of a large gun, at least a thirty-two- 
pounder, could be seen. This battery must be taken, and 
the Thirty-Ninth was assigned that duty. At the word of 
command the boys started out on the " double-quick," but 
cautiously, making a detour so as to conceal the movement 
and take the battery in flank. When sufficiently near, the 
order came to charge, and with a cheer and hurrah they made 
a grand rush upon the formidable battery, which was found to 
consist of an old piece of smoke-stack or pipe that had been 
abandoned by the roadside and was well supported by any 
number of trees standing in martial order behind it. We 
then moved on to ^trasburgh and went into camp. 

This was the limit of our pursuit as directed by General ' 
Banks. It was rumored at this time that the enemy had been 
largely reinforced by Generals Smith and Longstreet, but 
this proved incorrect at this time. Our force on this occa- 
sion consisted of four brigades of infantry, one regiment of 
cavalry (the Third U. 8.) and forty pieces of artillery. On 
the evening of April 4th the sutler reached our camp, 
bringing several casks of ale, and it is hardly necessary to 
add that it was soon transferred from the barrels to the 
thirsty throats of its admirers. The same evening some of 
the officers, accompanied by the band, proceeded to pay their 
respects to Colonel Nat. Kimball, commanding, who was 
found wrapped in the drapery of his blankets and Avho 
declined to listen to any music, as it was not military at such 



78 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

a time, and furthermore, would prevent us hearing an alarm 
if one was sounded. The General being too much engaged 
with his fears, we left him and proceeded to the headquar- 
ters of General Williams, who courteously invited us in and 
gave us a hearty welcome. 

April 7th the regiment was called upon for duty at the 
outpost, to support a battery of artillery, and a sorry time 
we had, bivouacking out in the cold drizzly rain; but in the 
space of twenty-four hours we were relieved by the Seventh 
Indiana arid proceeded back to our old quarters where there 
was more solid comfort. 

April 12th, General Shields had so far recovered as to 
be able to review his command. On being congratulated 
upon his recovery, he stated that he was again ready to 
give the rebels another chance at him, supported as he 
would be by his gallant troops. 

While we were encamped at Strasburgh Surgeon Blake 
and Major Munn rejoined the regiment. The Major had 
been absent sick since March 22d, and Surgeon Blake since 
the battle, having been detailed to the hospital. Consider, 
able speculation was indulged in as regarded in our next 
move, but nothing could be learned from any source. It 
was evident, however, that we should not remain long idle. 

At one o'clock a.m., April 17th, orders came to at once 
prepare to march, and we were soon in readiness for any 
destination. We left camp before daylight and during the 
morning crossed the south branch of the Shenandoah river, 
our skirmishers having now and then a little brush with the 
rebel cavalry; but they retreated rapidly after burning 
bridges, railroad cars and other property that might give aid 
and comfort to the enemy. Our cavalry in the advance had 
several brisk skirmishes, resulting in the capture of a few 
prisoners. During the day we forded the Shenandoah river, 
the water being waist deep and having a very strong current. 
A large number of the men removed their clothing for this 



SURPRISE A REBEL. 79 

purpose, remembering their experiences at Hancock, Md., 
witli wet garments. 

We reached New Market after a tedious journey over the 
worst road that we had as yet traveled, and bivouacked- The 
following morning, April 19th, the regiment was ordered to 
cross the Massanutton mountain to guard the bridges upon 
the river which were spanning the south fork of the Potomac. 
One half of the regiment were stationed at Columbia bridge, 
while the other part guarded the White House bridge, some 
six miles distant. The duty at the White House bridge was 
shared by two companies of the First Vermont Cavalry, who 
were daily busy in making raids. On the 23d of April 
we organized a raid to proceed to the village of Luray, 
some six miles distant, but did not accomplish anything 
except giving the inhabitants a thorough scare and driving 
from town a small force of the enemy. We remained in the 
town some few hours, and while there the larders of its 
citizens suffered somewhat severely by helping ourselves to 
something for eating and drinking, which was by no means 
abundant. 

The six companies that were stationed at Columbia 
bridge, under the command of Major Munn, had quite a 
lively skirmish with two companies of rebel cavalry at the 
time they took possession, getting some seventeen prisoners. 
The Major posted his men in such manner as to hold the 
place. This bridge as well as the one called the White 
House was a covered one, and of great length, and it was 
impossible to determine the character of any persons in the 
bridge by those approaching, and this circumstance soon 
gave them another prisoner. It seems that a rebel officer 
had been off down the river to see his best girl, and in his 
absence the bridge had fallen into our hands. He was 
totally ignorant of the fact, and was returning on his horse 
in a very leisurely and unconcerned manner. He came along 
singing and chirping and was doubtless in a very happy 



80 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

frame of mind — just back from seeing liis charmer. Our 
boys noticed liis coming and one of them drew up his gun 
to fire, but was arrested in time by the Major, who said "Let 
him alone and we will give him a surprise;" and they with- 
di"ew back in the deeper shadow of the bridge. The man 
still continued to approach, wholly unsuspicious of danger. 
He was allowed to come quite close before the word was 
given to "halt!" "Halt!" he sang out, thinking the matter 
a joke. "What the d — 1 are you halting me for? I'm no 
d— d Yankee!" "Well, we are. Halt!" And the boys 
stepped forward presenting their muskets. The surprise and 
astonishment of this man can better be imagined than 
described. He was almost paralyzed, but yielded gracefully 
to circumstances and the fortunes of war, 

April 22d, Major Collins, commanding several companies 
of the First Yermon-t Cavalry stationed near us at White 
House bridge, invited several ofiicers of the Thirty-Ninth to 
accompany him on an expedition made for the purjjose of 
arresting a Colonel Boswell, of the Confederate army, who 
was known to be at his home several miles distant in the 
country. At the head of two companies we started off on 
the gallop. An hour's ride brought us to the house, and 
attended by a file of troopers we proceeded up to the door, 
and were met by a lady very much excited and frightened. 
"Is this the residence of Colonel Boswell, madam?" the 
Major asked. "It is, sir." "Is the Colonel at home?" 
"No, sir." "Can you inform us as to his whereabouts?" 
" I think he has gone to join the army ; but, are you Northern 
or Southern soldiers? " " We are soldiers in support of the 
majesty of the United States government, — Northern men, 
madam, and, if you please, genuine Yankees; and you will 
please be quite certain that your husband is not here, for we 
intend to search the house and premises." " I tell you the 
truth, sir, if I die the next minute ; but I do hope you will 
not kill him in case you should ever meet with him, and I 



AT COLUMBIA BRIDGE. 81 

do pray that yon will not turn myself and daughters out of 
our home on such a day as this is." " No fear, madam. We 
came solely to seek your husband, whom we were informed 
was here on a visit. You or your home shall not suffer in 
the least, and we do not war against women and children." 

We then proceeded to niake a thorough search of the 
house and outbuildings, but failed to find the Colonel. He 
must have been apprised of our coming and fled. 

After overhauling all his papers and correspondence and 
appropriating what seemed of importance we returned to our 
camp very much chagrined at the failure. 

The probabilities were that we would remain in the 
vicinity of White House bridge for several weeks and conse- 
quently had ordered forwarded all our camp and garrison 
equipage. Our life was full of novelty and excitement, and 
the hours and days passed smoothly away. AVhile here, we 
were visited by a large and motley group of slaves belong- 
ing to the adjacent farmers, and to witness their delight and 
the well-pleased expressions that beamed from every polished 
face — their large eyes rolling in a frenzy of amazement and 
their thick labials shrinking back from the gleaming ivory 
in merry grins at what they witnessed of company drill and 
camp scenes, was funny to behold. The regimental band 
discoursed some lively airs for their especial benefit, awaking 
in them all the harmony of their natures, which expressed 
itself in every bone and muscle, and occasionally it found 
vent in words: "Lor, bress dis y"er time! Chile, jis listen 
to dat ar! it am mighty fine." They remained until after 
" dress parade," which "capped the climax," and a better 
pleased set of darkeys never existed than left our camp on 
that day. 

May 4th, the detachment located at White House bridge 
was ordered to Columbia bridge to support tl?e Thirteenth 
Indiana and First Virginia regiments, which were guarding 
the bridge. On the 5th rumors of the advance of Jackson 



82 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

were circulated, and finally confirmed by the appearance of 
large numbers of rebel cavalry on the opposite side. The 
troops were ordered to sleep on their arms and be in readi- 
ness at a moment's warning to either fight or retreat. 

May 6th brought nothing new except that Companies D 
and G of the Thirty-Ninth were sent out as skirmishers and 
we were reinforced with five regiments of infantry, one 
regiment of cavalry, and two batteries of artillery. 

At one o'clock the following morning the whole com- 
mand were ordered forward for a reconnoissance of the 
enemy's position, which resulted in a severe skirmish with 
the vanguard of the enemy, wherein the Thirteenth Indiana, 
which led the advance, lost about fifty men in killed and» 
wounded and taken prisoners. We found their force to be 
greatly superior to our own and were compelled to make a 
hasty retreat. The report had reached us that Yorktown 
had been evacuated, and the force opposite to us was indeed 
a part if not the whole of that army. During the night the 
summit and sides of the Blue Ridge for miles were glittering 
with the camp-fires and signal-lights of the rebel host. In 
order to mislead the enemy hundreds of unnecessary fires 
were lighted up on our hill-sides. 

The signal corps were kept busy all night telegraphing 
across the mountain to General Banks, who had been forced 
to retire from Harrisonburg by reason of tlie advance of the 
large army under Johnson and Jackson. 

May 10th, orders came to prepare for a march to Fred- 
ericksburg and report to General McDowell. The following 
morning at an early hour we had commenced a weary march, 
and for four continuous days the rain was unceasing. After 
crossing the Blue Ridge we met a party of some six hundred 
rebel cavalry, and a brisk skirmish ensued which delayed 
our progress for a few hours. This march had extended 
across the peninsula and through the wilderness of Virginia, 
and had been undertaken with the expectation of forming. 



THE FORCED MARCH TO FREDERICKSBURG. 







84 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

with the army of General McDowell, the right wing of 
McClellan's army. General McDowell had a force of forty 
thousand men under his command, and at the time of our 
arrival they were in active preparation for a move " On to 
Richmond," and we were ordered to at once trim ourselves 
for the movement. All of our tents were ordered turned 
over; the baggage train to be diminished to four wagons; 
our heavy winter clothing to be packed and sent to Wash- 
ington; all disabled men to be discharged from the service, 
and those requiring hospital treatment* to be sent to Alexan- 
dria, Va. There was to be a general purging out of Shields' 
Division, and his rough Western men must subscribe more 
fully and obey more strictly " army regulations," so they 
might harmonize more fully with the popinjay soldiers from 
Massachusetts and the Eastern States, whom we often noticed 
looking scornfully and disdainfully at us, until there were 
several broken heads among them to teach them better 
manners. 

President Lincoln, Secretary Stanton, Lord Lyons of 
the British Embassy, and other distinguished persons, were 
present here, and the next day there was to be a grand review 
of the army, and there was a great deal to do in order to 
prepare for a close inspection and the parade. On the 
afternoon of April 24tli, the troops, numbering some fifty 
thousand, were paraded for review. As President Lincoln 
rode down our lines at a gallop in company with General 
McDowell and his brilliant staff, his eye caught sight of 
our flag, which had our name and number emblazoned upon 
it, and partly turned and stopped and called out, " What 
regiment is that?" " Thirty-Ninth Illinois ! " was answered. 
"Well! you boys are a good ways from home, a'int you?" 
and passed on down the line. After the review and we had 
returned to our camp the President came and made a tour 
through the regimental quarters, shaking hands with many 
and asking numerous questions. He seemed delighted to 



REVIEW BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 



85 




86 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

find a regiment from his own state in the Army of the 
Potomac. 

The lines of army discipline were drawn pretty taut at 
this juncture, and the duties of officers and men were onerous 
in the extreme. Dr. Clark was the only medical officer with 
the regiment, as Dr. Blake had remained at New Market in 
charge of our sick, and had afterwards been assigned to duty 
in Banks' army in charge of a hospital near Mount Jackson, 
Va. Major Munn was also absent on detached service as 
provost-marshal at Warrenton Junction. The regimental 
quartermaster, Joseph A. Cutler, was also behind somewhere, 
and Lieutenant J. F. Linton, of Company D, was acting in 
his place, and was much more efficient and gave much better 
satisfaction. Disabled men were being examined and dis- 
charged and the sick sent to hospital, and the heavy clothing 
and overcoats of the men were got in readiness to be sent to 
Washington. 

About May 23d it began to be rumored that General 
Banks was being driven back and surrounded by the rebels 
under Generals Johnson, Jackson and Ewell, who were 
making every effort to tear up the Baltimore and Ohio rail- 
road again, and Shields' division received orders to march 
back to his relief ; and on the morning of May 25tli, at six 
o'clock, we started on a return forced march. Prior to leaving, 
however, four captains and two lieutenants from different 
companies of the regiment went to Dr. Clark for examina- 
tion and a certificate of disability on which to base an appli- 
cation to enable them to present the resignation of their 
commissions — right in the face of the enemy, as it were. 
Dr Clark, upon examination of these six officers, found that 
he could not accede to their v/ishes, and they, after some 
slight unpleasantness with the Doctor, were obliged to return, 
but soon afterwards tendered their resignations and left the 
service. 

On the return march some trouble occurred between 



THE RETURN MARCH. 



87 



Generals McDowell and Shields, with the result that General 
Shields left his command. At Warrenton Junction we 
heard of General Banks' defeat and utter route from the 
valley, and there being n« further necessity for our joining 
him, our brigade, which then consisted of the Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois, Sixty-Second and Sixty-Seventh Ohio and Thirteenth 
Indiana Volunteers, was ordered to Alexandria, Va. 

There were many sick and foot-sore, and they were given 
transportation on the railroad. Proceeding on from this 
point the march became more and more tedious and monoto- 




GUNBOATS ON JaMES RiVER. 

nous. We were yet on the road formerly traversed, noticeable 
by many signs, chief of which, perhaps, was the complete 
demolition of the rail-fencing marking our former bivouacs, 
which had been used for fuel or for shelter, and in many 
instances for a bed, in order to keep out of the mud. The 
rail fences of Virginia were a great boon to the soldiers of 
both armies. 

The Thirty-Ninth, with the balance of the division, 
reached Alexandria about June 12th, where a rest was given 
us to recuperate from so long a march ; but it was not to be 
a protracted or even a sufficient one, for McClellan's army 



88 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

was engaged with Lee's in wliat lias been recorded in history 
as the " Seven Days' " fight, in front of Richmond, and like 
the Wandering Jew we must move on. 

The 26th of June we were ordered on board transports 
and were soon " en route " for Harrison's Landing on the 
James river, arriving there in time to take some small part 
in the battle of Malvern Hill, July 1st, 1862; but fortunately 
our positions and duty were such that we lost no men from 
the regiment. 

It should have been mentioned in its proper connection 
that when we reached Luray, Va., on our return march from 
Falmouth or Fredericksburg, a portion of our brigade was 
sent to Port Republic to hold or, if need be, to destroy the 
bridge across the South branch of the Shenandoah river, 
where it met a large force of the enemy and a disastrous 
battle took place. The Thirty-Ninth was ordered there but 
did not reach the place in time to take part, but assisted 
in taking care of the wounded, numbering one hundred or 
more. 

The march to and from Fredericksburg had occupied 
some three weeks' time, and we had covered three hundred 
and sixty miles of distance. It was a distressingly long 
march and one that tried the patience and endurance of the 
men beyond anything in our former experience as soldiers, 
and crippled many. 



CHAPTER yill. 



Assigned to Keyes' Corps — Terribly Hot — Sickness — Sanitary Commission 
— Outpost Duty — Resignations — Company H Arrives — Terrific Can- 
nonading — Celestial Picket — The Grand Retreat — Much Suffering — 
Yorktown — Campaign Lyric, "The Craven" — Proceed to Suffolk — 
Some History — Hospital — Assistant Surgeons Crozier and Wood- 
ward Report — The Sabbath — Expedition to the Dismal Swamp and 
Blackwater — Aunt Sally — The News — Some Reflections — Resignation 
of Major Munn — New Year — How Celebrated — Off for the Chowan 
River — Incidents of the March — George Riddle and the Pig — Take 
Transport for Newbern, N. C. — Arrival^Wreck of the Ambulance — 
Palatial Quarters — Receive a Flag from Governor Yates — Join 
Foster's Expedition — Sent to Morehead City — Selecting Transports 
— All Aboard. 



TTTE were assigned after reaching Harrison's Landing to 
the corps commanded by General E. L. Keyes, but 
were yet in General Peck's Division, and General O. S. Ferry 
commanded our brigade, and the eminent surgeon Dr. Frank 
H. Hamilton was the medical director. The weather for 
the most part of the time that we remained at this place was 
almost unendurable, the temperature often reaching 102° in 
the shade. The dry soil was so destitute of all moisturg that 
it was fissured in all directions. Many of the camps were 
destitute of all shade; the water scarce and totally unfit for 
use ; innumerable flies by day destroyed all comfort for man 
and beast, and myriads of mosquitoes disturbed sleep at 
night. Sickness in many forms was widespread, and Death 
was busy reaping a rich harvest in the Army of the Potomac. 
It will be remembered that we had considerable sickness in 
the regiment but lost no men by death at this time. A 
contract assistant surgeon, Dr. J. H. Strobridge, a Canadian, 

89 



90 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

had been assigned to duty with the regiment and rendered 
very efficient service. The Sanitary and Christian Commis- 
sions came very opportunely to our aid at this juncture, 
furnishing abundance of ice and delicacies for the sick, and 
in no small degree contributing to their comfort and return 
to health. The Thirty-Ninth for the most part was put on 
outpost duty at the front, remaining out for a week at a 
time, and this duty was much more desirable than remaining 
in camp, near the river. 

July 26th Captain W. B. Slaughter, Company G, re- 
signed his commission, and Lieutenant Amos Savage was 
promoted to the position. Captains Gray, Company C, 
Wilmarth, Company B, and Hooker, of Company E, had 
previously resigned ; also Lieutenants Holderman, Company 
B, and Nicholson, of Company K. Adjutant Frank B. 
Marshall, who had been absent from the regiment for a 
considerable time on recruiting service, had also resigned, 
Sergeant-Major Joseph D. Walker being promoted to fill the 
vacancy. Surgeon S. C. Blake had resigned June 3d, Assist- 
ant-Surgeon C. M. Clark being promoted. 

Company H, Captain Williams, joined the regiment 
here, together with recruits for other companies, on or about 
the 12th of July, 18()2. 

August 9th there was general commotion in McClellan's 
army, and a move in some direction seemed imminent. The 
gunboats went up the river and assailed Fort Darling, and 
much of the infantry, artillery and cavalry were in motion, 
but as yet we had received no orders. The " celestial picket" 
up in a balloon, anchored near McClellan's headquarters, 
reported the enemy advancing and estimated to be some 
sixty thousand strong. About midnight there was a terrific 
cannonading. The whole camp was roused by the rapid 
bursting of shells in the very midst of our encampment, 
which produced, as can be imagined, a very lively commotion 
and scattering, in a closely packed camp of about fifty 



McCLELLANS HEADQUARTERS. 



91 



r;o d 






^ ^ *> 

S-5 2 



5-a = 

2a _ 










92 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

thousand men. It was soon discovered that the shells came 
from a battery across the James river. In twenty minutes' 
time, however, a few of our guns had completely silenced it. 

Aside from the large amount of actual sickness in Mc- 
Clellan's army, there was noticeable, and especially among 
commissioned officers, a large amount of nostalgia, or home- 
sickness. Large numbers sent in their resignations, but as 
a rvile they were disapproved. Many feigned sickness, and 
one instance is known where a valiant officer hired two men 
to carry him to the hospital boat on a stretcher, and he 
succeeded in getting North to a hospital. The camp was a 
harvest for the sutlers. These vampires charged double 
prices for everything they sold, and nothing was sold for a 
less price than ten cents, if it was a stick of candy. 

On the 2d of August Hooker's brigade moved towards 
Malvern Hill and attacked the enemy near Glendale, and 
on the 15tli the army Avas in bustle and confusion, and com- 
menced to move somewhere. 

August IGth we received orders to march, having no idea 
of our destination, but soon found out that we were the tail- 
end and rear-guard of that magnificent army that a month 
or two before had been mobilized for the purpose of taking 
Richmond; and now it was ingloriously retreating to York- 
toAvn, its rear protected by a Western brigade. After five 
days of weary marching under the fierce rays of a vertical 
sun, and through clouds of pulverized clay that rolled so 
thickly around and about us as to obscure the men in our 
rear, and was almost suffocating; water very scarce, and 
nothing to eat but dry " hard-tack " and the few straggling 
ears of corn that had escaped capture by the preceding 
multitude; having to sleep shelterless, and awaking in the 
morning to find our blankets and clothing saturated with the 
moisture of the heavy falling dews, we reached the vicinity 
of Yorktown and encamped on ground made historic by the 



"■THE CRAVEN." 93 

early struggles of our Revolutionary fathers for that freedom 
and that country that we are now striving to perpetuate. 

Before leaving Harrison's Landing, there came into our 
possession in some manner a specimen of camp poetry, a 
paraphrase on " Poe's Raven," and penned evidently by 
some one who was no admirer of McClellan. It is repro- 
duced here, not because we endorse its sentiments, but as a 
fair specimen of a campaign lyric. 

"THE CRAVEN." 
On that mighty day of battle, 'mid the booming and the rattle. 

Shouts of victory and of anguish, wherewith Malvern's Hill did roar, 
Did a General, now quite tameless, who in these lines shall be nameless, 
Show himself as rather gameless, gameless on the James' shore ? 
Safely smoking on a gunboat, while the tempest raged on shore — 
Only this, and, nothing more. 

The congressional committee, sat within the Nation's city. 

And each Congressman so witty, did the General implore: 

" Tell us if thou, at that battle, 'mid the booming and the rattle, 
Was on gunboat or in saddle, while the tempest rag'd ashore?" 
Answer'd he: "I don't remember; might have been." — What more? 
Only this, and nothing more. 

" By the truth which is eternal, by the lies that are diurnal. 

By our Abraham paternal. General, we thee implore. 
Tell the truth and shame the devil, parent of old Jeff and evil — 

Give us no more of such drivel — ^Tell us, wert thou on the shore ?" 
"Don't remember; might have been." — Thus spake he o'er and o'er, 
Only this, and nothing more. 

" On that day. Sir, had you seen a gunboat of the name Galena, 

In an anchorage to screen a man from danger on the shore? 
Was a man about your inches, smoking with those two French Princes, 
With a caution which evinces care ifor such a ' garde de corps ' — 
Were you that man on the gunboat?" "Don't remember; might have 
been." "The bore!" 

Only this, and nothing more. 

AVe remained at Yorktown, pleasantly encamped near 
the waters of Chesapeake Bay, until August 30th, when 
orders came to march; and the prevailing opinion seemed to 
be that we were destined again to the valley of Virginia to 
co-operate with General Pope's army, as it was reported 



94 . 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 







ORDERED TO SUFFOLK, VA. 95 

that the enemy were endeayoring to cross the Potomac into 
Maryland. 

We were, howeyer, to proceed in another direction. 
We marched to Fort Monroe and there took transport across 
to the Nansemond riyer, up which we proceeded to Suffolk, 
Va., reaching there September 3, 18()2, and made encamp- 
ment just outside the town. 

Suffolk is pleasantly situated on the Nansemond river, 
which is navigable to this place. Before the war it had a 
population of sixteen huncb'ed, the majority of whom were 
slaves. The great Dismal Swamp stretches out from its 
eastern and southern boundaries, connected with the town 
by canal. Suffolk was burned during the Revolutionary 
war. but was again rebuilt, and its appearance was quite 
pleasing and decidedly antique or ancient. The few fami- 
lies left in town were or had been wealthy, and those who 
found entree met excellent society. The fern ale portion were 
very shy and retiring, however, and on the approach of a 
Union soldier plainly showed how distasteful and unwelcome 
he was. 

The regimen-tal hospital was located in the town for the 
better accommodation of the sick, having selected a large' 
two- story structure which proved admirably adapted for the 
purpose. On or about the 9th of September two assistant 
surgeons reported from the state of Illinois, having been 
assigned to the Thirty-Ninth. They were Doctor James 
Crozier, first assistant, and William Woodward, second 
assistant. Doctor Strobridge still remained with us, and for 
the first time in the history of the regiment we had more 
than the necessary supply of what the men facetiously 
termed "pill shooters." Lieutenant-Colonel Mann returned 
from a " leave of absence " that he had received at Harrison's 
Landing, about this time, bringing with him his bride, and 
inducted her into the mysteries of "'camping out." 

The first Sabbath spent at Suffolk was ushered in with 



96 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



a peal of church bells which we, for a long, long time, had 
been strangers to. Sunday, in our "calendar," was the day 
when all marches were commenced, and battles fought, and 
we had grown to consider it as the most exacting day of the 
week. In all our previous history, and on an active campaign, 
there was nothing to herald its approach, and absolutely 
nothing to distinguish it from the other days, except perhaps 
the feeble workings of a conscience, and, at remarkably long 



>*4l4&fc 



^*po 




On Picket. 



intervals, the announcement that the chaplain had arrived 
and would hold service. 

In the early part of September a reconnoissance in 
force was made around the Dismal Swamp, but for some 
reason it was recalled before having accomplished the mis- 
sion it had started upon. The Thirty-Ninth was kept busy 
in cutting timber, throwing up intrenchments and forts, and 
occasionally participating in expeditions out to the Black- 
water river, eighteen miles distant, where there was quite a 
force of the enemy. On one of these reconnoissances the 



EXPEDITION TO BLACKWATER RIVER. 97 

Thirty-Ninth had a lively brush with the enemy, capturing 
two pieces of artillery and forty prisoners, without the loss 
of a man. 

Many of the veterans will remember " Aunt Sally," a 
tall, angular negress, a familiar character about the cam[) 
and hospital, full • of her oddities and pranks, coming daily 
with milk, eggs, chickens and oysters to sell. She was a 
most singular person, possessing a great deal of assurance 
as Avell as impudence and a wonderful amount of lix). She 
stuttered and stammered badly, and was exceedingly sensi- 
tive in regard to this defect — so much so, that the least 
appearance of mocking at it would render her furious, and 
then she could hardly articulate intelligibly at all. Every 
morning she would come ambling and shuffling along the 
street with a milk pitcher perched on the top of her woolly 
head, and with pails or baskets swinging from her arms, and 
singing "We'll be gay and happy still!" in a voice that 
would do credit to a "Stentor;" and if the music at guard 
mount was sounding, she would stop to execute a " pas de 
seul" to the infinite amusement of the bystanders. 
" M-m-mawning. boss! want s-s-s-s-ome f-f-f-ine ostahs or 
c-c-chickuns foh yo' s-s-sick, dis m-m-mawnin?" Poor old- 
Aunt Sally! we wonder if you survived " de wah." 

The New York papers were received daily via Norfolk, 
and the war news was scanned with the utmost interest. At 
this date (September 13th, 18()2,) the news is most dis- 
couraging from all points. In the Avliole of the past year's 
campaign nothing has been satisfactorily accomplished. The 
rebels have driven our armies back and back until the Union 
forces occupy but a very small portion of their territory, and 
what is still more humiliating and shameful, they have invaded 
our border and bid fair to make good their threat of dictat- 
ing their own terms of settlement. The policy of our leaders 
seems to be to icait while the rebels win, and the frequent 
mistakes of our generals are taken advantage of and turned 



98 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

to good account. While we are planning, they are boldly- 
executing. Their army, inferior as it is in numbers, poorly 
fed and badly clothed, has a vigor and determination that 
makes us tremble, and troubles us everywhere. 

The people of the North never properly appreciated the 
magnitude of the rebellion; they have always undervalued 
the resources of the South, and have consoled themselves 
with the idea that there was no possibility of failure. Our 
armies can never be victorious until the whole North, laying 
aside all party prejudices and the "irrepressible nigger 
question," unites as one man, and with unity of purpose 
proceeds to the work of speedily vindicating the "old flag" 
and reestablishing the only government worth living for. 

The regiment lost two men at Suffolk- — one killed by 
being struck by a falling tree while at work with his com- 
rades in felling timber for use in constructing redoubts ; the 
other dying from typhoid fever. The work devolving upon 
the soldiers at this post was immense, and very seldom was 
there a day that could be devoted to rest or amusement, for 
Avhen not engaged in work on the intrenchments and forts, 
there was sure to be an alarm from the advance-guard of the 
enemy's approach, and the men held in constant readiness for 
defense. 

About the 1st of December, Major S. W, Munn resigned 
from the service by reason of poor health. Captain S. S. 
Linton being promoted to the position. At the same time 
Colonel Osborn was granted "leave of absence" and pro- 
ceeded home to Chicago. New Year's Day came in bright 
and beautiful, and the officers of the division celebrated it 
by taking a gallop through town in force, led by Colonel R. 
S. Foster, of the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteers. Later in 
the day there was prepared a grand dinner, and in the even- 
ing a dance, with a sufficient number of ladies to make it 
interesting. 



MARCH TO CHOWAN RIVER. 



99 



The mean strength of the regiment at this time was — 
officers, thirty-seven ; enlisted men, seven hundred and thirty. 

January 3d, 1863, it became noised around that orders 
had been received to prepare for a march and change of base, 
and such proved to be the case; and on January 5th, after 
the usual turning over of camp and garrison equipage and 
the cutting down of the means of transportation, our division 
moved out for the Chowan river, seventy-five miles distant. 




The Sutlebs. 



The weather was fine and the spirits of the men fresh and 
elastic. During the first day's march the advance of our 
column encountered a small body of rebel cavalry that occa- 
sioned a slight detention. On the second day the novelty 
of the change had considerably worn off, and there was a 
little more straggling and weariness. During a halt in the 
afternoon, just over the state line in North Carolina, a negro 
was discovered crouching in a fence corner and apparently 
badly frightened. The soldiers in the vicinity, in the spirit 



100 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

of mischief, ordered him to "come out of that!'' which he 
immediately did, badly demoralized by fear. " Strip ofp that 
coat!" " Now take off your vest! " " Skiu off that shirt! " 
all of Avliich commands were readily obeyed; and had not 
the order to "fall in" sounded just then, there is no telling 
what else he would have been ordered to do. He soon 
mastered all his fear and seemed to relish the fun at his 
expense, and finally consented to come along as servant to 
one of the company officers. Large numbers of carts, mules 
and horses were gathered in by the men on this march, and 
before reaching our destination nearly every company pos- 
sessed a mule and cart, which was utilized to carry knap- 
sacks and blankets. It was no uncommon sight to see 
soldiers mounted on mules and horses, and they, to accom- 
modate their less fortunate comrades, would consent to take 
their shelter tents, canteens, knapsacks, etc., until there was 
place for no more, and the appearance presented was most 
ludicrous. They called themselves "Mounted infantry." 
This sport did not continue for any great length of time, for 
when the matter reached the notice of the commander, each 
horse, mule and cart was turned over to the owner, who in 
most instances had followed on after them. 

Tobacco raising and manufacturing seemed to be the 
leading industry of this section of country, and we came 
across large quantities of it in all shapes. On one plantation 
a large barn near the road we were following was found well 
stocked, and by order of the General commanding, many 
hogsheads, casks and boxes of it were rolled down to the 
roadside, the heads of the casks broken in, and the boys 
Avere permitted to help themselves, which they did without 
much ceremony, although they were not allowed to stop ; but 
it was grab and march on. Some were content with a twist 
or two of the natural leaf for smoking and a plug or so for 
chewing, but there were others so avaricious that they grabbed 
and scrambled for all they could carry, and were then sorry 



BAND BOYS FORAGING. 



101 



that they could not take it all. Many were afterwards seen 
wdtli at least fifteen or twenty pounds of plug tobacco in 
their arms or slung to their backs, while their haversacks 
and pockets were bulging with "hunks" of the natural leaf. 
The day was decidedly warm, and as mile after mile was 
told ofP you could notice that those very greedy chaps, who 
were scrambling and almost fighting for the lion's share, 
were eager to lighten their load by giving it away to who- 
ever wanted it, and many were glad to throw it all away 
before the bivouac was reached. It was most excellent 
tobacco, and it seemed a sin and a shame to have it so wan- 
tonly wasted. 




Band Boys Fokaging. 



The country through which we were passing furnished 
excellent advantages for foraging, and men Avere specially 
detailed for the purpose from each company: besides, there 
were those who went off on their individual responsibility. 
The members of the band had become experts, and some will 
remember that on one occasion during this march they cap- 
tured a young pig, and in order to bring it along secure from 
notice they placed it inside the big drum and thus brought 
it to the night camp. « 

Orders were usually very strict regarding individual 



102 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

and indiscriminate foraging, nevertheless men would take the 
chances. George Riddle of Company I tells a little of his 
experience while on this march. He says: " One day when 
we had halted for dinner, a comrade and myself left the 
ranks and started out to look for a little change of diet for 
supper. We soon found a little sandy shoat, and my com- 
rade had just " stuck" it, when, looking up the road, we saw 
General ' Sandy ' Foster, of the Thirteenth Indiana Volun- 
teers, coming. My comrade ran away, but I held on to the 
pig, and had it by the throat as the General came up and 
said ' AVhat are you doing with that pig ? ' I told him that 
that fellow running yonder had cut its throat and I was try- 
ing to stop the blood from staining its bristles. He looked 
at me a moment quite sharply, and then asked, 'What 
regiment do you belong to?' 'Thirty-Ninth Illinois,' I 
answered. ' Well,' said he, ' the blood will be d — d apt to 
stop by the time a " Sucker" gets through with it; but don't 
you let anybody see you with that pig, or you may get into 
trouble; and,' he continued, 'you'll know where to find my 
quarters to-night, won't you?' " 

The afternoon of January 8tli we reached the Chowan 
river, where preparations were made to embark on transports 
for Newbern, N. C, which was reached the following morn- 
ing, January 9th. We were now in the Department com- 
manded by General A. J. Foster. Colonel Osborn was 
placed in temporary command of the brigade here. We 
were sent some three miles out of the city to make encamp- 
ment, and selected a timber grove after removing the dense 
undergrowth. While located here, and during a sudden 
and violent storm of wind and rain, a tree was blown down 
which badly wrecked an ambulance in its fall, crushing the 
medicine chest and hospital knapsack, but doing no further 
damage. 

The men Avere supplied witli the small A or button tent, 
often called the " dog tent" at this time, no other tents being 



RECEIVE A FLAG FROM GOV. YATES. 103 

furnished except for hospital use. Many of the officers 
found accommodations for meals and for sleeping in the 
neighboring houses. One plantation house was quite near 
our camp and was occupied by a family of the poorer class, 
who stated that they had been left in charge by the owner, 
who had removed with his family when Newbern was first 
occupied by Union soldiers. The house was beautifully 
furnished throughout, and here it was that a few of us got 
accommodations that were quite home-like. A grand piano 
had been left behind, and with the musical talent that we 
had with us, quite entertaining and siccU concerts were 
given. 

While at Newbern, the regiment received an elegant 
flag from Governor Richard Yates of Illinois, bearing his 
portrait, and on the day of its reception, at the hour of 
"dress parade," it was placed in the hands of the "color 
guard" with appropriate ceremonies. Short speeches were 
made by several of the officers, the sum and substance being, 
" Never submit to its dishonor or permit its capture by the 
enemy!" The history of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois shows 
how well it was guarded and cared for by the many brave 
men who have constituted the "color guard" during the, 
long and bloody years they were called upon to sustain it. 
Fully two-thirds of the guard who first received the flag 
wpre killed while supporting it at the battles of Drury's 
Bluff, Hatcher's Run, and Darby town Cross Roads, and it 
with the other colors of the regiment was honorably and 
proudly borne back to the "muster-out " at the cajntal of the 
State in December, 18(55, their folds scarred and rent with 
rifle balls, but covered all over with glory. The archives of 
the State contain no better symbols of the bravery and 
devotion of her sons than the banners of the "Yates 
Phalanx." 

On the 18th day of January it became known that Ave 
Avere to be sent into South Carolina, and everything was 



104 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

made in readiness for the trip — wives of officers were sent 
home, horses, wagons, and ambulances turned in to the Post 
Quartermaster, and the sick and disabled of the command 
sent to general hospital. On the 20th we took the cars 
for Morehead City, a distance of twenty miles, where we 
were to embark for Hilton Head, S. C. The harbor was 
full of shipping of all kinds and descriptions, and we were 
granted permission to select our vessels. A small side- 
wheel steamer was at first pointed out to us as one of our 
vessels, but on inspection by the Colonel and Surgeon it was 
found to be unseaworthy, and besides, would not accommo- 
date one-half the regiment. 

We next visited a craft lying near the opposite shore, a 
two-masted propeller. We reached her in due course of 
time by small boat, but soon condemned it, for on descend- 
ing into the hold we found her timbers rotten, and the clap- 
boarding of her upper deck ( could not be dignified by any 
other name) in a most shameful condition; the seams being 
Avide open, and in many places could look through the inter- 
spaces in her siding and view the city beyond. We finally 
took up with two small propellers that were seaworthy, and 
a small schooner to carry our baggage and horses. These 
vessels were soon brought to the wharf and Companies A to 
E, together with a portion of the field and staff and the 
band, embarked on the "General Meigs," Captain Watson. 
The other companies of the regiment went on board the 
"City of Bath" and the schooner "Skirmisher," and 
towards evening we started out as a part of the Foster 
Expedition for South Carolina, the State that first inaugu- 
rated the Rebellion. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Pass Fort McAllister — Storm at Sea — Paying Toll to Neptune — Cleaning 
up — Fishing — Taking Account of Stock — Generals Foster and Hun- 
ter Do Not Agree — Land on St. Helena Island — Make Camp — The 
Ballad of Paris Island — Dress and Discipline — Hilton Head — "Ain't 
You Going to Kiss Me, Hass, Before You Go?'" — Beaufort — Mrs. 
General Lander — The Negroes — Fishing- -Ordered to Folly Island — 
View the Enemy — Take Possession of Folly Island — Feeling Our 
Way up to the Front — Descriptive — The Bombardment of Fort Sum- 
ter by the Ironclads — Making Camp — General Vogdes — Lankinaw 
and the General — Busy Throwing up Intrenchments — Relieve the One 
Hundredth New York Volunteers — The Rebels Celebrate — Fooling 
with a Loaded Shell — First Maryland Cavalry — Paymasters Arrive — 
The Sutler — Some of his Experiences — Visit the "Ironsides" — News 
from Rebel Sources — Trading with the Enemy — The Blockade Run- 
ner "Ruby" — An Expedition to it — The Results — Doctor Woodward 
Makes the Trip and Vogdes Disciplines Him. 



TTTE passed Eort McAllister at sundown and were soon 
on the billows of the broad Atlantic. The storm that- 
had been brewing since early morning now broke in all its 
fnry, and we got more than a taste of old Ocean in one of its 
tragic moods. The storm increased in violence, and the 
vessel labored heavily in its passage through the heavy seas. 
Fully two-thirds of the officers and men were settling iip 
accounts with "Neptune," with a large balance in his favor, 
and felt most thoroughly depleted and disconsolate. The 
few officers who kept their "sea legs" and a clear head, en- 
gaged in games of whist and euchre in the captain's saloon, 
and in this way passed the night; and a most protracted and 
gloomy night it was, the rolling and pitching of the vessel 
often capsizing us from our cliairs, and it did seem at times 
as if the vessel itself would roll over. At last the welcome 



106 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

moriiint): dawned, and as the sun arose, the wind and waves 
abated, yet the long and heavy swells of water kept large 
numbers on the sick list. At inspection in the morning the 
hold of the vessel was found to be in a most foul and filthy 
condition. The men were ordered on deck and the ship's crew 
with hose and brooms were put to work cleaning. During 
the afternoon the sea became as smooth as a mirror and the 
many seasick soldiers came from their beds into the fresh 
and bracing sea air for enjoyment. Some got out their fish- 
ing tackle, others baited for sharks, of which we saw numbers, 
and all found pleasure in watching the antics of the por- 
poises and the gulls. 

While we are at sea it may be well to take an " account 
of stock," as it were, and find out what the condition of the 
Thirty-Ninth then was. We had been in the United States 
service one year, three months and ten days up to the 22d of 
January, 1863. We left Chicago with eight hundred and 
six ofiicers and enlisted men, October 11th, 1861. In the 
meantime we had received 147 recruits, including Company 
H, which joined us at Harrison's Landing, Va., — making a 
total of 953. From this number 19 officers have resigned 
their commissions; 2 officers have been dismissed the 
service ; 1 officer has died ; 32 men have been left behind on 
marches; 39 men have deserted; 31 men have been sent to 
general hospital; 38 men have been discharged the service 
from general hospital: 18 men have died, — leaving us 767 
officers and men for active service in the new field to which 
we are hastening. 

AVe reached Hilton Head, S. C, early in the morning 
of January 22d, and lay in the harbor for several hours, 
awaiting, as we afterwards learned, the settlement of some 
difficulty between Generals Foster and Hunter, the latter of 
whom was in command of the Department of South Carolina. 

AVitJiout going into the details of their controversy 
concerning rank and position, which in itself is not perti- 



BALLAD OF PARIS ISLAND. 107 

nent to this history, but which was of prime interest to the 
two generals, we take up the clew of our personal history 
again. During the afternoon we were sent down to a landing 
place on St. Helena Island, where the men disembarked. 
The schooner carrying our baggage and live stock could not 
reach the improvised pier during iiood tide, and our horses 
were pushed overboard and made to swim ashore, which they 
did in gallant style, and were fully as glad as ourselves in 
reaching fei-ra firma once more. 

We bivouacked for the night; but the following day 
had quarters assigned to us about one mile from the river, 
and as all our equipage for camp and garrison had followed 
us, we soon had all our tents pitched and camp furniture in 
place. 

General O. S. Ferry remained as our division general, 
and Dr. Sol. Van Etten the division surgeon. General 
Hunter commanded the department; Surgeon Crane, U. S. 
A., was medical director, and Dr. J. J. Craven the medical 
purveyor, and attachetl to Hunter's command was General 
Charles Halpine, otherwise known as " Miles O'Reilly," who 
was not only a wit but a poet of no mean order. 

While we were stationed on St. Helena Island some . 
soldiers from General Nagle's command made a foray on 
Paris Island, and killed a bull, the only one on the island, 
and its owner came to the headquarters of General Hunter 
sadly lamenting his loss. The occasion inspired General 
Halpine to issue the following: 

"BALLAD OF PARIS ISLAND." 

« 

Dear General H , my heart is full, 

Lamenting for my butchered bull: — 
The only bull our Island had, 
And all my widowed cows are sad. 

With briny tears and drooping tails, 
With loud boo-hoos and bovine wails. 
My cows lament with wifely zeal 
Their perished hopes of future veal. 



108 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Sad is the wail of human wife 
To see her partner snatched from life: 
But he — the husband of a score — 
For him the grief is more and more! 

No future hope of golden cream! 
Even milk in tea becomes a dream: — 
Whey, bonny-clabber, curds and cheese 
Are now, ah, me! mere idle words! 

The cruel soldiers, fierce and full 
Of reckless wrath, have shot my bull; 
The stateliest bull — let scoffers laugh — 
That e'er was " father " called by calf ! 

A bull as noble, firm and fair 
As that which aided Jove to bear 
Europa from the flowery glade 
Where she amidst her maidens played. 

Dear General H , accept my vows, 

And oh! take pity on my cows, — 
With whom, bereft of wifely ties, 
All tender hearts must sympathize. 

Quick to Van Vliet your order send 
(By Smith's congenial spirit penned) 
And order him in language full. 
At once to send me down a bull: — 

If possible, a youthful beast. 
With warm affections yet unplaced, 
Who to my widowed cows may prove 
A husband of enduring love. 

Great attention was paid to the matters o£ drill and 
discipline while located on this island, the whole regiment 
being exercised twice daily in field evolutions and the 
manual of arms. Two hours of the morning were spent in 
company drill, and the same length of time in the afternoon 
was devoted to battalion exercises. Great proficiency was 
attained in this manner, and the officers and men of the 
regiment enjoyed the proud satisfaction of being reported at 
department headquarters by an experienced U. S. General 
Inspector as the best drilled and disciplined regiment in the 
Department of the South. 



MRS. GENERAL LANDER. 109 

The leisure hours that were at our disposal, and when 
permission could be obtained, were spent in making excur- 
sions to Hilton Head or the surrounding islands. Hilton 
Head Island, the headquarters of General Hunter, was at 
this time quite a city in a business aspect if in no other. 
The general hospital was located here, together with the 
quartermaster's and commissary's depot, and the medical 
purveyor's store; and besides, there were scores of traders 
in all sorts of merchandise who had built large structures 
for containing and bartering goods. Several photographic 
galleries were in full operation and abundantly patronized. 
One in particular was conducted by a German by name of 
Hass, and some of us will remember the name distinctly for 
the reason that we reached his gallery just at a period when 
he was about sailing for New York on the steam-ship 
" Arago," to replenish his chemicals and other stocks. He 
was a burly and phlegmatic Teuton, and was slipping away 
without saying "'good-bye" to his wife, who called out to 
him in sorrowful tones, " A'int you going to kiss me, Hass, 
before you go?" The old chap, when thus reminded, 
removed the pipe Jrom his lips and said, " It ish no time 
to sthop fooling now. I musht get apoard as quick as never 
I can. Vait 'till I gets back, my dear! ! " and off he went in 
an excited flurry, under the mid-day sun and through the 
sand, to get "apoard mit the steamer." 

Sometimes a trip was made up Broad river to Beaufort 
where the Sanitary and Christian Commissions had head- 
quarters. This jjlace was also the location of the "Freed- 
men's Bureau," and there were two or three hospitals, one 
of which was under the matronship of Mrs. General F. W. 
Lander — more generally known as Julia Davenport, the 
actress. 

In passing, this estimable lady is worthy of a more 
extended tribute for her disinterested devotion and care of 
the sick and wounded soldiers under her charge at not only 



110 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

this place, but at all other points where her sympathy or 
hand could reach them. It was our privilege to have the 
personal acquaintance of this lady, for she frequently visited 
the various troops in the department, and our regiment, at 
one time under the command of her brave husband, enter- 
tained the greatest respect for one so lately bereaved and 
who still in her widow's weeds remained within the circle of 
the army, giving time, money and patience and the attributes 
of a sympathetic nature to the care of disabled men. 
Whatever laurels Mrs. Lander may achieve before the foot- 
lights as a tragedienne will never be brighter, fresher, or 
greener than those won in hospital service on a more tragic 
stage — the bloody fields of the great strife for National 
existence. 

At other times we would gratify our passion for fishing 
and hunting by proceeding up the island to a large planta- 
tion house which had been turned over to the Freedmen's 
Bureau and the plantation worked by giving a certain 
percentage on the sale of products to the negro, or else 
paying him or her so much a day for labor. There was a 
school established there, but we were never fully satisfied 
that the negroes appreciated their advantages. The negroes 
on this and adjoining islands were the most obtuse and 
thick-headed that we came in contact with. They came 
regularly to camp each morning with something for sale — 
sweet potatoes, oysters, clams, shrimps, etc., and such gibber- 
ish, such unintelligible mutterings were never heard before. 
We might as well have attempted the translation of the 
"Congo" dialect as try to understand the "lingo" of these 
" mokes " of both sexes. It must be confessed that we had 
had some respect for the negro as we had seen him in 
Virginia and at home, but here, there was nothing but 
approximation to the monkey tribe, and to call the thick- 
lipped, monkey-faced negro with his gibberish, a fellow 
"well met" on all occasions was more than could be expected. 



EXPEDITION TO FOLLY ISLAND. HI 

At the plantation house before mentioned, Ave would 
secure a boat and a guide and sail down the inlet to the sea. 
On the way and while passing through the rice swamps we 
often found wild ducks and reed birds for our sport, and 
with the use of a trolling hook and line would manage to 
catch good fish, to say nothing of the crabs fastened to the 
line at each haul. 

In the latter part of the month of March, 1863, we were 
called upon to make preparations for a move, and on April 
1st we embarked on steamers to take part in General Hunter's 
expedition to Folly Island. For several weeks previous to 
starting the men had been drilled in the management of surf- 
boats. On the morning of April 3d we arrived opposite 
Stono Inlet, but the storm, which had been furious during 
the night, had not abated, and we were compelled, together 
with the balance of the fleet, to lie-to for several hours ; and 
besides, several of the transports had lost their surf -boats 
during the gale. We were in close proximity to the block- 
ading squadron off Charleston harbor, and the scene pre- 
sented at this time was novel and exciting. Matters began to 
look like business^ again, and we were all glad to have the 
dull and monotonous routine of camp-life dissolved. About 
noon of this day we steamed up to Edisto Island and soon 
came to anchor in the quiet waters of Edisto river, Avhere we 
found seven monitors and five gunboats, aside from other 
craft. During the day the steamer " Ben DeFord " came in 
and anchored near us, bringfinor General Hunter and Admiral 
Dupont. Early the succeeding morning we got under way 
again and had a comparatively smooth passage to Stono 
Inlet, at the mouth of which we found the tug '"Harriet 
Weed " in waiting to pilot us up the river to Cole's Island, 
where Ave commenced disembarking by means of the surf- 
boats and r-'fts. The men made rather bungling work at 
first in handling their oars, but soon came down to work. 
The Thirty-Ninth was the first to reach the island. Avhere 



112 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

we found the One Hundredth New York Volunteers ah*eady 
in camp. The Sixty-Second Ohio, Sixty-Seventh Ohio and 
Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Infantry soon followed us. 

We made our encampment near the shore and close to 
Folly Island, which was in possession of the rebels. The 
entire camp equipage was landed before sunset, and the 
tents soon pitched, and suppe»T, the first decent meal of the 
day, partaken of. Near the camp were several old foi'ts 
and intrenchments, and during the evening some of us took 
up position on the parapet of a fort where we could plainly 
see the camp-fires of the rebels- — -their signal lights and 
rockets, which were Hashing out intelligence of our ap- 
proach. 

April 5th the brigade commenced the M'ork of throwing 
up rifle-pits, and otherAvise fortifying the position, for an 
attack at any moment was possible. From the head of the 
island, a mile or so distant from camp, the rebel pickets 
could plainly be seen, together with squads of men here and 
there, busy in perfecting their line of earth-works and 
mounting cannon. At seven p. m. of this day an order came 
to put out all lights, as General Ferry was under the im- 
pression that we would be shelled by the rebels. At ten P. M. 
orders came to strike tents and move to the landing, and at 
midnight we got on board the tug "Harriet Weed" and 
were ferried over in detail of companies to Folly Island. On 
landing, the regiment stacked arms and lay down for a little 
rest. At sunrise the following morning we commenced 
moving up the sea-beach, preceded by a large body of 
skirmishers, and two pieces of twelve-pounder artillery under 
the charge of marines and drawn by hand. Several halts 
were made in our progress, which were necessitated by the 
slow movements of our skirmishers, they being spread out 
across the island in order to make a clean sweep. The slow 
movement was mostly attributable to the dense undergrowth, 
trailing vines, hedges, etc., that had to be cut away by the 



MOVE TO HEAD OF ISLAND. 113 

pioneers before progress could be made. At noon the regi- 
ment halted in a palmetto grove for dinner, and a siesta was 
taken until three p. m. ; then we started on again and con- 
tinued until four P. m., when an order came to bivouac. 
There Avas an implicit order against building fires, and a 
cold lunch of ham and hard-tack sufficed for supper. 

At ten o'clock a. m. we were awakened with a mufiled 
order to " fall in" and march, and were soon en route again, 
with nothing to disturb the quiet except the song of the 
mocking-bird and the thud-thud of the many footsteps 
alono^ the level beach — the clatter of canteens against the 
knapsack or the gun; but all this was drowned, except to 
the participants in the march, by the dull and monotonous 
cadence of the ocean, whose waves often washed over our 
footsteps. .We reached the head of the island at daybreak 
without meeting the enemy. Our fears had been greatly 
excited at times from the fact that the skirmishing party 
would exercise us by firing off their guns, and at one time 
we thought that we had been attacked in the rear, — all 
occasioned by the careless handling of firearms. At the head 
of the island we reconnoitered Morris Island by peeping 
through the thick foliage that skirted Light House Inlet. 

Folly Island is some seven miles in length and was 
densely timbered with palmetto, pine and magnolia trees, 
together with a dense growth of underbrush throughout the 
greater portion. There was no habitation except at the foot 
of the island, consisting of a two-story frame house and one 
or two out-buildings, all of which were latterly used for our 
accommodations — the house for the General's headquarters 
and the out-buildings for hospital purposes. 

In our position at the head of the island we had a full 
view of Forts Sumter, Moultrie, Johnson, and the various 
sand batteries on Morris and Sullivan's islands, and in the 
foreground were numerous " graybacks " perched on the 
sand hills intently engaged in looking in our direction. At 



114 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 




BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER. 115 

times they would approach the water's edge on the opposite 
shore and deliberately fire their muskets towards us. We 
had an unobstructed view of the blockading squadron sea- 
ward, and the monitor fleet that was entering the ship chan- 
nel to engage the various harbor batteries. At two p. m. the 
monitors, led by the " Ironsides," were seen in motion, 
with the " Weehawken " as skirmisher to dispose of obstruc- 
tions. After the '' Ironsides " came the "Passaic," " Mon- 
tauk," "Patapsco," " Catskill," "Nantucket," " Nahant," 
and •' Keokuk." The fleet paid no attention to the batteries 
on Morris Island, but pressed forward to the northwest face 
of Fort Sumter. 

At half past two o'clock the ball opened, the first shot 
being: fired from Fort Sumter. Soon the batteries on 
Sullivan's Island and Morris Island opened most fiercely, 
followed by broadsides from Sumter, and the din and roar 
was deafenintj. which togfether with the flash and smoke 
from each gun made up a scene that was deeply interesting 
to distant spectators: but when we consider the animus that 
pointed each gun from the fort that inaugurated the rebellion 
we pause to contemplate the fiendishness of it. 

Throug-h some mistake of orders the "Weehawken"' 
missed her course and the line of battle became confused so 
that the whole power of our fleet was not manifest for a long 
time. It was impossible for the monitors to get nearer than 
eight hundred feet of the fort by reason of the numerous 
floating torpedoes, yet the monitor -^Keokuk" succeeded in 
gaining a nearer position, and in consequence was completely 
disabled, having received ninety shots in the course of half 
an hour. By means of her pumps she was brought out 
from the fray, and finally sank near the entrance of the 
harbor — her smoke-stack reaching just above the surface of 
the water. The other monitors were not essentially 
damaged. 

At half-past four p. m. the whole fleet withdrew and, 



116 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 




2 ^ 






ONLY HARDTACK AND COFFEE. 117 

witli the exception of the " Ironsides," proceeded to Hilton 
Head or Port Royal. The number of guns that had been 
brought to bear upon this little squadron was fully three 
hundred, and for rapidity of fire and weight of metal they 
were never surpassed. 

We watched this combat with the greatest interest, even 
climbing trees for a better view. Fort Sumter seemed to be 
a sheet of flame from the successive discharofe of her 
numerous guns. About once a minute there would be the 
discharge of a gun from the turret of a monitor and we 
would watch the effect of the heavy ball as it struck the fort. 
All that we could discover was a cloud of dust and a fall of 
debris — no breach being apparent. We have ever consid- 
ered this naval duel as one of the most novel and exciting 
episodes of our life and never shall forget it, in any ^of its 
details. The wounded in the engagement were principally 
on the " Keokuk," and they were put on board the hospital 
ship by her own crew. • 

The 8th of April opened up gloriously as far as sun, 
sky and good temperature were concerned, but the want of 
food from the failure of the commissary to report was - 
intensely felt, and a pall as thick as mud fell like an incubus 
on our spirits. We had some hard-tack left which was 
washed down with the mere apology for coffee. During the 
forenoon heavy cannonading was again heard, but mostly 
confined to the blockading squadron, which was attempt- 
ing a little practice to remove the rust from their guns, or 
give the fleet a little exercise. On bringing our glasses to 
bear on Fort Sumter, three flags were seen — one the National 
flag of the Confederacy, one the State flag bearing the 
Palmetto, and the third one was made out as a black flag, or 
looked like one. At two p. m. orders were received to 
remove our camp back some three miles for a permanent 
position. We picked out a suitable site and finally pitched 



118 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



the tents agreeably to army regulations, and soon were in 
quarters for a sleep, with the roar of the ocean for a lullaby. 
April 9th, General Vogdes came with authority from 
General Hunter to assume command of the forces on this 
island, thus superseding Colonel Howell, who had been act- 
ing as brigadier-general. General Vogdes, prior to the war, 
was a captain in an artillery regiment and a graduate of 
"West Point. At the battle of "Bull Kun" he was taken 
prisoner and lingered in prison at Eichmond for some thir- 




FOKT SUMTEK AFTEE BOMBARDMENT. 

teen months. When exchanged he was promoted to the rank 
of brigadier-general. 

General Israel Vogdes will long be remembered by his 
command on Folly Island for his remarkable eccentricities 
of manner and speech. He Avas a great stickler for discipline 
and exacted from the soldiers all the honors due his rank and 
position. Although it was his invariable habit to saunter 
around camp in a blouse or in his shirt-sleeves, yet he was 
so puffed out with egotism that he excused no one for not 
recognizing him as the commanding general. The soldiers 



THE PRIVATE AND THE GENERAL. 119 

had taken a dislike to him on general principles and neg- 
lected no ojjportunity to annoy and vex him. One night he 
was caught out while near the head of the island without the 
"word," or "countersign,"" and was delayed some two hours 
on one pretext or another, although it was well known who he 
was. 

At one time when Private Lankinaw of Company D, a 
stalwart German who had seen service in the Prussian army, 
was on guard duty near headquarters, the General happened 
to pass just at sundown and LankinaAv paid no attention 
whatever. This was so gross a breach of discipline and 
respect that Vogdes could not pass it by, and the officer of 
the day was sent for. Colonel Howell, of the Eighty-Fifth 
Pennsylvania, a very suave and polite old gentleman, was on 
duty, and when he reported,* Vogdes said: 

" Colonel, these d — d "Western volunteer soldiers do not 
know their duty, sir. I was passing the sentinel just now, 
sir, and he did not salute or pay the least attention to his 
commanding general, and you will at once relieve and punish 
him, sir." 

"Yes, sir; great disrespect to the commanding officer," 
said Howell. " Will see to it at once, sir, ai oncer and he 
started to interview Lankinaw. 

"Soldier, the general commanding reports tliat you did 
not ' present arms ' when he lately passed you. Don't you 
know your duty ? " 

" Veil, Colonel Ho wells, I shalutes no man, by tarn, ven 
it pees sundown." 

"Sundown, was it? If so, you were in the right, sir, 
and will so report.*' 

Colonel Howell returned to the General, saying: "Gen- 
eral Vogdes, the soldier says the sun was down when you 
passed him, and according to the army regulations, you 
know, the sentinel is not obliged to pay salute to anybody." 

" Yes, yes, I know ; but I do not think the sun was down, 



120 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

— at least, I do not think tliat it was quife clown. However, 
let it pass ; but see to it that these yohinteers are better in- 
structed in their duties." 

The regiment by detail was kept constantly busy in 
throwing up intrenchments and building forts, and from this 
severe labor, in connection with the miasm of the marshes, 
a large number of men constantly reported on the "sick 
list." Many were sent to the hospital at the foot of the 
island, and when accommodations failed, or they could be 
benefited by a change, they were sent aboard the hospital 
ship " Cosmopolitan " and transferred to Northern hospitals. 
The "hospital ship" "Cosmopolitan" came each month to 
receive our sick and wounded. It was under the charge of 
Surgeon Otis, U. S. V. 

April 11th, under cover of the dark night, some three 
hundred of the enemy approached the island in boats in the 
endeavor to surprise our outposts, but were discovered and 
driven back, but not until they had wounded one man of the 
One Hundredth New York Volunteers and captured two 
others. 

General Seymour had succeeded General Vogdes in 
command of the whole force, and on the evening of this day 
there was a detail from the Thirty-Ninth to deploy as skirm- 
ishers across the island. General Ferry went to Port Eoyal 
and the fleet of transports there sailed for the same destina- 
tion, taking with them the whole force with the exception of 
five regiments under command of Vogdes. 

April 12th, the Thirty-Ninth went to the head of the 
island to relieve the One Hundredth New York, which was 
ordered to Cole's Island to relieve the Sixty-Seventh Ohio, 
ordered back to Folly Island. 

A great deal of sickness was prevalent at this time, and 
as a prophylactic measure whisky and quinine was ordered 
to be oriven the men each morning. 



''JUBILEE'' OF THE REBELS. 121 

April 18tli was the anniversary of the capture of Fort 
Sumter by the rebels, and we notice that they are having a 
jubilee not only at the fort but on Morris Island. We occa- 
sionally see officers accompanied by women that must have 
come from Charleston, and from our point of observation the 
officers were engaged in pointing out the position of the 
"Yanks," and doubtless remarking to their lady friends how 
easy it will be to dislodge them when the proper time 
arrives ( '?). 

Soon after the occupation of Folly Island a post hospital 
was established in a vacant two-story building near the head- 
quarters of General Yogdes, and Surgeon Clark was placed 
in charge. 

There was considerable sickness among the soldiers at 
this time from the incessant fatigue and exposure attending 
the erection of batteries and the constant picket duty; and 
besides, men were continually being wounded by the enemy's 
shells or by accident and carelessness. It is remembered 
that among the first to be admitted for wounds were two men 
belonging to the Sixty-Second Ohio Yolunteers. They,' it 
seems, had found a shell when they were on duty and had 
brought it with them to their quarters, and when about to 
cook their dinners had utilized it as a support for their wood 
fire. They had not, in their stupidity, ascertained whether 
it was loaded or not, but were soon informed, for it exploded 
wfth great force, wounding four men, two of them very seri- 
ously, one having to suffer amputation of a leg. 

April loth the steamer "Cossack" arrived, bringing a 
company of the First Marjdand Cavalry, in command of 
Lieutenant Holt. On the lt>th Quartermaster Friedly, of 
General Ferry's staff, arrived on the steamer "Secor," bring- 
ing an order for the Thirty-Ninth to report at Hilton Head; 
but towards evening, on the arrival of the steamer " Nellie 
Baker," the order was countermanded, much to our satisfac- 
tion, as we wished to remain until after the assault on 



122 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Morris Island, for which we had long been making prepa- 
rations. 

Work was steadily progressing in fortifying at the head 
of the island, under the direct superintendence of Captain 
Crusoe, of the NeAv York Engineer Battalion, and the rebels 
apparently had no idea of our plans, so well were they 
guarded and screened from observation by the thick under- 
growth and sand dunes. The rebels were also active in 
throwing up batteries on the opposite shore of the inlet. 
Each day brought some new excitement to enliven the dull- 
ness of the camp. Either the rebels would open up a lively 
artillery fire, or the gunboats stationed in Stono River (the 
" Pawnee " and " McDonough ") would proceed, in company 
with the mortar schooner, up the Stono to Folly River and 
shell the woods and adjacent islands, accomplishing very 
little, but invariably provoking the enemy to respond in our 
direction. 

Majors Moore and Mason, Paymasters, U. S. A., put in 
an appearance about this time, and were gratefully welcomed, 
and w^e did what was proj^er in the matter of entertainment, 
and received " Uncle Sam's " promises-to-pay in the shape of 
crisp "greenbacks." The Paymaster was always a welcome 
visitor, and especially to the sutler, who then received 
payment for the truck he had credited the soldiers at most 
exorbitant prices. 

The Thirty-Ninth had a sutler at this time who was a 
most singular character, but possessed of active and ener- 
getic qualities for business, often bringing schooner loads of 
merchandise into the department and disposing of the same, 
at a great advance from New York prices, to his more impe- 
cunious brothei's in trade. He had two great passions. One 
was his intense love for barter, in which the desire for gain 
often led him to be unscrupulous; it was only the "monish," 
as he ex})ressed it, that he wanted. The other was his pas- 
sion for a periodical spree, which generally lasted for a week 



AN INCIDENT. 223 

or ten days, dependent on circumstances and associations. 
The occasional habit of exalting himself with " schnapps " 
came near ending his career on several occasions. It will 
be remembered that when Ave first reached the department 
after leaving St. Helena Island, the captain of our trans- 
port had permission to proceed up to Beaufort for a supply 
of coal, as the bunkers of the steamer were about exhausted. 
On reaching Beaufort we made fast to the schooner having 
the coal, and which was moored to the wharf, there being a 
space bridged over by a single plank from the vessel to the 
shore. As Ave Avere to remain OA^er-night, a party of us, in 
company with the sutler, proceeded up into town to the hotel, 
where we found a gay and jovial assemblage of oflicers, 
mostly "regulars." Something to drink was the order, Avhich 
was continued in force during the evening. The sutler, in 
the meantime, had become quite exhilarated, loquacious and 

combative, and soon was quarreling with Captain , on 

the staff of General O. O. Howard, over the relative merits 
and bravery of the volunteer and regular soldiers. The sutler 
was insisting, and would maintain at any cost, that the volun- 
teers Avho had responded to the call of the President, to 
uphold and maintain the integrity of the Federal Govern- 
ment, had accomplished more in generalshij), in valorous 
actions, and had done more fighting, marching and effective 
work so far, than all the "regulars " he had ever seen, met, 
or heard of. The captain was just as emphatic and abusive 
in his denial, until finally the matter culminated in a chal- 
lenge for a duel, and they Avere about to adjourn to a room 
up-stairs to fight it out, when another party of officers arrived 
and put a stop to the disgraceful proceeding. The captain 
was ordered to his quarters, and the sutler Avas prevailed 
upon to return to the steamer. We started out, folloAved by 
the sutler, Avho Avas still spluttering about haAdng "■shaUsfac- 
shun out of that reg'lar for his 'spersions against the vol- 
unteers." 



124 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

It was ten o'clock and the niglit very dark when Ave 
reached the wharf and commenced the ascent of the plank 
to the schooner, and had nearly accomplished the passage 
when the sutler made a mis-calculation in his footing 
(although we had used all precaution to help him over 
safely), and plunged down into the water. We hurriedly 
called for ropes and a lantern, and it seemed an age before 
they came, and we began to fear the man was lost, for no 
answer had been returned to our frequent calls to know if 
he was safe. Looking down, after the arrival of the light, 
he was at last discovered astride a big hawser, but submerged 
to his shoulders, and the first words of greeting were, " Shay, 
you fellows! going to let a man drown?" A rope was secured 
under his arms and he was lifted aboard the schooner, a 
wetter but a more sober man. His escape was almost a 
miracle, under the circumstances. Poor fellow ! After amass- 
ing' a small fortune as sutler, he established a bank at Rich- 
mond, Va., after its evacuation, and subsequently a banking 
business in Chicago, where he died some twelve years ago in 
very reduced circumstances. 

Up to May lltli the troops on Folly Island had desisted 
from sounding "reveille," or giving the "calls," and at this 
time were only permitted the use of a drum and fife, for 
" You know the rebels would know where to shoot, you 
know!" as General Vogdes explained. On this day several 
officers of the regiment, on invitation, paid a visit to the 
"Ironsides," one of the blockading fleet, taking passage on 
the little steamer " Nantucket" in company with a large 
number of naval officers who Avere reporting for duty from 
the North. We were very courteously received and shown 
over the vessel by Surgeon Duval and others. Our attention 
was directed to the injuries received by the vessel during the 
bombardment of Fort Sumter, Avhich were very slight, con- 
sisting in a few saucer-like indentations in her armor. 

May IStli we received intelligence and a few particular^ 



TRAFFIC WITH THE ENEMY. ]25 

of the battle fought at Fredericksburg, Va., which accounts 
for the firing of minute guns by the enemy to-day. Later 
in the day a Charleston paper was received, by means of a 
float, from the " Johnnies." It contained news of the death 
of Generals Hill and "StoneAvair' Jackson, and the informa- 
tion that "the Yankees lost twenty thousand men and eight 
thousand prisoners at the battle." On the margin of the 
paper was also scribbled, "If you 'Yanks' expect to stay on 
Folly Island to combat the sandflies and fleas until you drive 
us into the Union, you will have to stay there until h-11 
freezes over!" 

Quite an amicable understanding had and still existed 
between the soldiers on both sides of the inlet, and a good 
deal of barter was carried on, exchanging coflFee for tobacco 
and trading newspapers, which was accomplished by con- 
structing little "dugouts" and "floats" and attaching a sail, 
and when the wind and tide were favorable, sending them 
adrift freighted with whatever was to be exchanged; and 
everything was conducted on the "square," but it had to be 
carried on " sub rosa." When an officer on duty approached, 
all was changed, and fierce picket firing was indulged in. 

The men on advanced guard duty at the head of the' 
island and along the border of Folly river had strict instruc- 
tions how to deal with persons who could not satisfactorily 
account for themselves, and it was dangerous to be abroad, 
especially at night, without the countersign ; and then it was 
necessary to be prompt in answering a challenge from the 
sentinel. It will be remembered that Captain Eodgers, of 
the Sixty- Second Ohio Volunteers, when officer of the day, 
and when making the "grand rounds" at night, was chal- 
lenged, and failing to answer promptly, was shot Avhile 
advancing, and died soon afterwards. 

In the latter part of May (the exact date is forgotten) 
the steamer " Euby," in trying to enter Charleston harbor, 
after having succeeded in passing the blockading fleet during 



126 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the night, was stranded on the bar at the month of Light- 
honse Inlet. She was what is termed a swift Clyde-built 
vessel, being constructed especially for the business she was 
engaged in, that of running the blockade with supplies for 
the rebels. She had stranded about mid-way between 
Morris and Folly Islands and had been abandoned by her 
crew. The rebels had already made several excursions to 
her, carrying away a good deal of merchandise, and several 
officers of the Thirty-Ninth had decided to make a voyage 
of discovery, under cover of night, and see Avhat was 
to be found. A boat's crew was collected under the com- 
mand of Major Linton, and they started out, moving with 
a good deal of care so as not to be discovered and thus 
draw the fire of the rebels. The vessel was reached 
without any mishap, and they were soon in undisputed 
possession. But what was their chagrin and annoyance 
when they discovered that all the matches they had brought 
along had become wet in some manner, and therefore 
useless. Nevertheless, they were not going back without 
making some kind of examination to find out the charac- 
ter of the cargo. They went to work upon their senses 
of feeling and smelling and were soon rewarded by find- 
ing some pineapples and cigars, and last, but not least, 
some bottles of fine Scotch whisky. Helping themselves to 
as much of this commodity as they could well carry, they 
left and got back all right. 

This expedition proved so successful that after a few 
days it was followed by another, being accompanied by the 
two assistant-surgeons of the regiment. The visit Avas so 
timed as to take advantage of the ebb tide. They proceeded 
out to the bar, where the boat was left in charge of one of 
the party, while the others clambered aboard. 

The party who had remained with the boat as sentinel 
had secured the " painter " by placing his foot upon it, and 
Avas so intent on some other matters (perhaps looking for 



DR. WOODWARD IN TROUBLE. 127 

rebels) that be bad not noticed the incoming tide, and 
before be was aware, tbe water was bubbling at bis feet and 
the boat bad floated away, painter and all. Tbe party on 
board tbe " Ruby " were bastily notified, and prepared for 
tbe return trip before tbe tide sbould eftectually cut off 
retreat. It was a most ludicrous as well as disagrreeable 
position to be placed in, and no telling when tbe rebels 
migbt appear. Tbey could now wade for some distance 
along tbe bar, but before reaching tbe sliore there was a 
stretch of deep water that would necessitate swimming. All 
of tbe party excepting the second assistant-surgeon. Doctor 
Woodward, reached the shore without much trouble, and 
Woodward came along gallantly until within thirty feet of 
the shore when be found his strength failing him and cried, 
"Help! help!! I sink!!!" The large number of men on the 
beach who had been watching the enterprise now made an 
effort for his recovery, and some twenty men, joining hands, 
walked off into the water in his direction, and the foremost 
link of this human chain succeeded in grasping this old 
disciple of Esculapius and bringing him to dry land; but 
what was the cha'grin of many and the laugliter of others 
when they found him to be weighted down with a heavy 
plate looking-glass slung about his neck, and several pine- 
apples in his coat pockets, together with other small trash 
that he had accumulated while on board, but not least of all 
was a calf-skin bat-box containing a hat that he had kept 
possession of, and it is presumed that if he had sunk beneath 
the waves, that bat-box would have been his companion. 

The doctor's troubles did not end here, however, for the 
next morning the matter came to General Vogdes' ears, and 
he in his supreme majesty ordered the doctor under arrest, 
and to report at once to headquarters. Under the shadow 
of two bayonets the doctor walked down to the foot of the 
island to confront tbe General. The result of tbe examina- 
tion was that Doctor Woodward should report to tbe head of 



128 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the island and remain until further orders, without daring 
to transgress limits. The head of the island was constantly 
exposed to the shot and shell that were daily thrown from 
Morris Island, and the troops, in order to protect themselves, 
erected bomb-proof shelters over excavations in the sand, 
and it was in a place of this character that our second 
assistant surgeon was located for some six weeks. 

Occasionally a number of us would ride up to the head 
of the island after sunset to see our friends and get some 
idea of the progress of operations, and would invariably call 
to see the doctor, who- was making the best of his banish- 
ment, but pleading, meantime, most energetically for a 
reprieve. We could not stop long in endeavors to console 
him, for shot and shell were flying briskly around us; how- 
ever, we gave liim encouragement, and would do our utmost 
to get a pardon from the General. His looking-glass was 
still present and reflecting upon him; also the hat and hat- 
case; but the pineapples had been gobbled. After the 
doctor's release, which happened a few days after this visit, 
he magnanimously fractured the looking-glass, and after 
rubbing ofl^ the film of quicksilver, took several pieces down 
to the foot of the island and had an ambrotype taken on 
them of himself — portrayed with a pipe in his mouth and a 
very distressed look, as commemorating his vigils at the 
head of Folly Island. 

The doctor might have escaped this punishment if he 
had used a little diplomacy by sharing the fruits of his 
gathering witli the General. Vogdes had heard of these 
expeditions and what had been captured, and he one day 
remarked to an oflicer, " Colonel, I hear that the men at the 
head of the island are going out to that blockade runner and 
get lots of fruit, cigars and liquor. It's a little strange that 
none of it has found the way to these headquarters." He 
felt slighted, and the accidents of this last expedition gave 
him the opportunity to visit vengeance on some one, and 



TOO LATE! 129 

"Woodward proved to be the one. After this he authorized 
an expedition to go aboard and take what cargo was left, but 
it proved too late to get any of the delicacies. It. however, 
brought from the vessel a large quantity of white cotton 
cloth, which was mostly turned over to the medical depart- 
ment for bandages and dressings. 



CHAPTEK X. 



Fowler of Company K Hurt^ — Card Playing — An Accident — Board of 
Administration for the Sutlers — General Gilmore Succeeds Hunter — 
Gilmore and Seymour Arrive — Troops Arriving — Plan of Operations 
— Battery Completed— Guns Mounted — The Boys Tired Out — Field 
Hospital Organized — The Capture of a Part of Morris Island — How 
it was Done — Might Have Had it All — The Wounded — The First 
Assault on Fort Wagner — How Conducted — Rebel Account of It — 
After the Repulse — Morris Island — Heavy Details for Work — More 
Batteries Erected — The Ironclads Bombard Wagner — The Second 
Assault on Wagner — The Colored Regiment — Troops Sacrificed — 
Blundering — The Tale of a Participator — Killed and Wounded — 
Troops Sent Away — Gilmore Rifles — Nuisances — Colonel Howell 
Injured — Reflections — The Parallels — Capture of Rifle Pits — Fort 
Sumter in Ruins — The "Swamp Angel" — Prepare for Another 
Assault — Wagner Abandoned — Call for Volunteers to Reconnoitre — 
Dispatch to Gilmore — Orders, Etc. — Death of Captain Woodruff — 
Resolutions — General Gilmore's Order of Congratulation. 



"TUNE 1st, 1863, Private Fowler of Company K was seri- 
ously injured by the falling of a heavy branch from a 
tree that had been severed by the passage of a shell fired by 
the enemy. Several accidents of a similar nature occurred 
while we were on the island. Some days previously a negro 
boy, servant to one of the regimental ofRcers, had been 
killed by the passage of a shell through camp. 

When our soldiers were not busy with the spade or on 
picket duty, they spent a large portion of their leisure, even 
intruding on bed hours, in playing poker or some other 
game of chance, and many were the dollars lost and won. 
Beans were the prevailing currency until the Paymaster 
arrived, when each individual bean, representing so much 
value, was cashed. These set-downs or squat-doM^ns to a 

130 



THE SUTLERS. 131 

game of poker, euchre or "seven-up" were frequent amoiitr 
both officers and men, and the invariable accomj^animent 
was a canteen of commissary whisky or some vile decoction 
from the sutler. Gatherings of this character were some- 
times attended with unpleasant results. Some of the 

veterans will remember the shooting of Lieutenant C 

of the One Hundredth New York Volunteers at the quarters 
of Lieutenant Holt of the First Maryland Cavalry in a 
wrangle over a game at cards. A witness to the affair thus 
described it to Doctor Clark, who was called to attend the 
wounded man: "You see, they were drunk! and got into a 
skirmish over the game, and all at once Lieutenant Holt, of 
the Cavalry, snatched a pistol from the table and said. ' D-n 
you ! I will shoot you ! ' and sure enough, . the pistol 
exploded and we thought we had a dead man ; but he rallied, 
you see. Sir, and there he is." The Lieutenant was badly 
shot through the face. He was taken into the hospital, and 
after recovery received a "leave of absence" for sixty days. 
He never returned to his regiment, resigning his commission. 
He was badly disfigured for life. 

Gambling was interdicted in the command. Yet it was 
not and could not be wholly suppressed, although a careful' 
watch was always kept and punishment often inflicted. The 
regimental sutlers also came under surveillance from the 
fact that they were constantly selling intoxicating liquors 
under false names, and which were brought into the depart- 
ment in cases that were variously marked as "boots and 
shoes," "preserved fruits," etc., and it was found necessary 
to appoint a "Board of Administration" to examine their 
goods and govern their prices. This board convened as 
occasion justified, but generally once a month. The sutlers 
protested vigorously against the rulings of this "board," but 
it was of no avail. It was doing a much-needed service to 
the soldier who with his thirteen dollars per month could ill 
afford to pay such outrageous prices as were demanded for 



132 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

little comforts. Besides, their traffic in sweets and other 
indigestible goods wonderfully increased the sick list, 
pandering to the vitiated appetites of the soldiers with their 
displays of edibles, giving, as it were, "stones for bread." 

June 14:th, Generals Gilmore and Seymour made their 
appearance on the island, and it was evident that operations 
were to be commenced in earnest. Since the bombardment 
of Fort Sumter, when nothing of importance was accom- 
plished, there had been but little done in the matter of 
effecting the reduction of the forts in Charleston harbor. 
Gilmore had succeeded General Hunter in the command of 
the land forces, and Admiral Dahlgren had superseded 
Dupont, who had never been very sanguine after his first 
attempt and failure. It was fully understood that Gilmore 
should pursue his own plans, untrammelled by any outside 
influences, and he and Dahlgren were to co-operate. 

Troops were arriving daily in large numbers, and we 
began to consider that an active campaign was about com- 
mencing in which there would be some serious fighting. 
There were in the Department of the South at this time some 
eighteen thousand troops, all well drilled and disciplined, 
and of the very best material, all being volunteers who had 
enlisted in 1801 for the purpose of putting down the Re- 
bellion — not hirelings or drafted men. Only about eleven 
thousand of these troops could be concentrated for active 
service, for it must be remembered that Gilmore had a coast 
line of twenty-five hundred miles to picket and garrison. 

The plan of operations to be pursued was, first, to take 
the south end of Morris Island; second, to reduce the forts 
on Morris Island; third, to destroy Fort Sumter, and then, 
with the help of Dahlgren, to threaten and demand the sur- 
render of Charleston. These plans were all feasible and 
were eventually most effectually carried out, but required a 
vast sacrifice of life, as is now known. 

Heavy ordnance and ordnance stores were continually 



THE EVE OF THE ASSAULT. 133 

arriving, chiefly one-linndred-pounder Parrott guns and fif- 
teen-inch mortars. The battery at the head of Folly Island, 
made of sand and marsh sod, was soon completed and ready 
for its guns, and by the 1st of July forty-eight heavy guns 
were in position ; and so quietly did the work progress that 
the rebels were totally unconscious that such a thing existed 
until it was uncovered on the 10th of July, and spoke for 
itself in away that produced much discomfiture to the rebels. 
The enemy undoubtedly knew that we were being reinforced, 
for they were more active and annoying, not a day passing 
without their opening up with a shower of shot and shell, 
which would continue for an liour or two, and at intervals 
during the night. 

The men of the Thirty-Ninth were about worn out by 
constant picket and fatigue duty, with loss of sleep, and were 
ordered to Cole's Island for a rest, the Sixty-Second and 
Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers taking its place at Camp Sey- 
mour. July Ttli a Field Hospital was organized near the 
head of the island, and prepared to receive wounded men. 
Surgeon William Brown, of the Seventh New Hampshire 
Volunteers being *placed in charge, and Surgeon M. S. Kit- 
tinger, of the One Hundredth New York Volunteers, and' 
Surgeon Clark, of the Thirty-Ninth, detailed as operating 
surgeons. The weather was generally fair, with a tempera- 
ture rangfintj from 87° to 96° in the shade, but the nights 
were cool, and it was always comfortable to sleep under- 
neath a blanket. 

July 8th, orders were received to be prepared to move 
at a moment's notice. Tents were struck and the whole 
equipage of camp placed in care of the quartermaster. The 
sick and wounded were ordered sent away to Northern hos- 
pitals, and the ambulances and hospital tents were taken to 
the field hospital. This was all accomplished on the evening 
of the 9th, and we patiently awaited the signal for attack. 
In the meantime General Alfred H. Terry, in command of 



134 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

some three thousand men, among whom was the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois, was sent over on James Island to divert the 
attention of the enemy. 

Brigadier-General George C. Strong had already selected 
six regiments to make the assault on Morris Island. They 
were the Forty-Eighth New York Volunteers, Seventy-Sixth 
Pennsylvania, Sixth and Seventh Connecticut, Third New 
Hampshire, and Ninth Maine, and they were in place on 
Folly river where the boats were in waiting to convey them 
across the inlet. General Yogdes had command of the reserve 
force, consisting of the Sixty-Second and Sixty-Seventh 
Ohio, Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania, One Hundredth New 
York, and Battery B, First U. S. Artillery. The batteries at 
the head of the island were cojnmanded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Jackson and Major L. L. Langdon, First U. S. 
Artillery. 

The hours of the night of the 9th passed very slowly 
and very quietly away, but at sunrise, the morning of the 
10th, thirty-two guns and fifteen mortars opened fire upon 
the Confederates, and a few minutes later four monitors had 
taken position and opened with fifteen and eleven-inch guns 
on the rebel left, and four howitzer-launches pulled into 
position and opened on the enemy's right; and for three 
hours the fire of sixty guns was concentrated on the rebel 
position. About seven o'clock General Strong was signalled 
to advance, — which was done in a gallant and vigorous man- 
ner, and in twenty minutes his boats were in the surf on the 
Morris Island shore, with the loss of only one boat and two 
men wounded. The regiments formed quickly after leaving 
the boats, and, with General Strong at their head, pressed 
forward, driving the rebels out of their first and second line 
of rifle-pits. On they swept, victorious, over the sand dunes, 
past the old Beacon House and up to within rifle shot of 
Fort Wagner, where the rebels had hurriedly retreated and 
made a stand. Dr. Kittinirer and the writer witnessed the 



PART OF MORRIS ISLAND CAPTURED. 



135 



most of this assault from the "Lookout" near the head of 
Folly Island, and only retired when the wounded were 
brought to the hospital, which was near by. Three-fourths 
of Morris Island was now in our possession, and the whole 
of it might have been had the troops pushed on, according 
to a rebel account, which says: ''Only a little dash on the 
part of the Union army would have given them the whole of 
the island. All they had to do was to press on with eVen 
one-half of the troops they had landed. In my opinion it 
did not justify their excess of prudence ; fortunately, however, 
it saved us." 

Our losses in this affair were 53 killed and wounded, of 




Beacon House. 

whom 14 were killed. The Confederate loss was, 294, of whom 
127 were prisoners. We captured twelve guns, several flags, 
and many tents and small arms. A pontoon was now thrown 
across the inlet, and the reserves and other troops ordered 
across. Another hospital was also established at the south 
end of the island. 

The first wounded men to receive attention were two 
gunners who were injured by the premature explosion of a 
gun. They were so mangled that they suffered amputation 
of both arms ; and besides, their sight was destroyed. The 
wounded were attended to as speedily as possible and sent to 



136 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the hospital boat " Cosmopolitan," at the foot of Folly Island, 
for transfer to Hilton Head. 

It was determined that Fort Wagner should be carried 
by assault the next morning, and three regiments were 
selected, — the Ninth Maine, Seventh Connecticut and Sev- 
enty-Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and General Strong 
was to lead them. At daybreak on the 11th he had formed 
the assaulting column of the regiments mentioned with the 
Third and Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers as reserves. 
The Seventh Connecticut led the advance and strictly fol- 
lowed the orders that had been given; " But unfortunately," 
says General Strong iu his report, "Avhenthe enemy opened 
.fire along the whole line, and within a range of two hundred 




FoKT Wagnek. Point of First Assault. 

yards, the Seventy-Sixth Pennsylvania halted and lay doAvn 
upon the ground. Though they remained in this position 
but a few minutes, and afterwards moved gallantly forward, 
some of them even to the ditch, that halt lost the battle, for 
the interval was* lost and the Seventh Connecticut, unsup- 
ported, was driven from the parapet and the force retired." 

Our losses were eight officers and three hundred and 
thirty-two men. The loss to the enemy was one officer and 
five men killed, and one officer and five men wounded. The 
Confederate force in "Wagner at the time was about twelve 
hundred officers and men. 

The following Confederate account of this assault was 
taken from a Charleston paper of July 18th, and was written 
by Col. Kian, who commanded the picket line (rebel) that 
morninsf : 



FIRST ASSAULT ON FORT WAGXER. 137 

At peep of day my attention was called to a dark mass approaching 
my front. When about twenty-five yards off I ordered the videttes to "' tire 
by file," which they did; then the whole battalion rose, formed lines, and 
gave an almost simultaneous "yell." This meant for me "all right;" for 
Battery Wagner, "They are coming." My first line had come to a "ready;" 
we could see the beard on the faces of the Federals. "Aim — fire!" Then a 
sheet of flame bursts into the advancing line; this doubles up their front, but 
on comes the body at a "double-quick." We fall back, loading as we retire, 
and form on the left of the second line, coming to a "ready, aim^fire!" and 
we poured another volley into their faces. Their front staggers, but on 
come the survivors at a stately " double-quick." We fall back to the third 
line, the whole battalion coming to a "ready;" they are now within ten 
steps of us. "Aim — fire!" for the last time. The effect is terrific — it 
appears as when a wind strikes the stalks of a wheat field. I actually felt 
sorry for them. It was "war," hence "fair," but it did seem to me that we 
were taking unfair advantage of them; they could not stop to fire upon us, 
for time was all-important to them; their success depended on reaching 
the battery without delay, and hence they had to receive these dreadful 
volleys without responding. The enemy dashed on, but barely gave us time 
to reach the inside of the works before they were repulsed. 

After this repulse General Gilmore and Admiral Dalil- 
gren consulted and it was decided that no more assaults 
should be made until works had been erected, and Wagner 
destroyed by bombardment; and work at once began, erect- 
ing batteries. Th-e Thirty-Ninth had taken no part in these 
assaults. It returned from James Island on the lltli and 
made encampment about midway between Fort Wagner and 
the south end of the island. The Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers had been attached to our brigade at St. Helena 
Island, and Colonel Joshua B. Howell, its commander, being 
senior in rank, was acting brigadier-general. 

Morris Island is a narrow ridge of sand formed by 
accumulations from the beach, having an area of about four 
hundred acres. It is wider at its southern than in its northern 
part, the extremity on Lighthouse Inlet being about one 
thousand yards in width. Its surface is irregular and broken 
by sand ridges or dunes, affording excellent shelter for troops. 
It gradually slopes inwards, terminating in a series of 
marshes. The northern extremity was very narrow, termiu- 



138 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



atiiig in what is called Cummings Point, and distant from 
Charleston about five and a half miles. The main channel 
into the harbor was some twelve hundred yards distant and 
parallel to the island. On Cummings Point was located 
Fort Gregg, and about two thousand yards this side (south) 
was Fort Wagner. Heavy details were made every few days 
from the regiment to work in the intrenchments and for 
grand guard duty at the front. Fort Sumter and the batteries 
on Sullivan's Island kept up an almost continuous fire across 
Fort Wagner upon our trenches and not a day passed that 
one or more men were not killed or wounded. Gilmore, 
however, soon had some twenty-six heavy guns in position 




FoET Wagneb. Sea Fbont. 



and vigorously returned the enemy's fire, and in great part 
put a stop to this constant annoyance, enabling our men to 
more easily, rapidly and safely push forward the work. Lines 
of rifle-pits were thrown across the island in front of the 
batteries and were constantly advanced. Fort Wagner was 
never silent. 

Work thus continued, preparing for the great assault 
which was soon to take place. At last the morning of the 
18th July, 1863, dawned and gave promise of a hot, sultry 
day. In the early morning the fleet of ironclads and other 
vessels, under the command of Admiral Dahlgren, were seen 
in motion moving up the channel towards Battery Wagner, 
prepared for the great bombardment. The "Ironsides" led, 
followed by the monitors "Weehawken," " Patapsco," "Nan- 



SECOND ASSAULT ON FORT WAGNER. 139 

tiTcket," "Montauk"" and " Catskill/' and the wooden vessels 
"Seneca," "-Paul Jones," "Ottawa," "Chippewa," and 
" Wissahickon," with six mortar boats. They were soon in 
position and opened fire upon Fort Wagner. Our land bat- 
teries opened fire at the same time, and for a period of some 
eleven hours an incessant firing was kept up from over one 
hundred guns, and within this time over nine thousand shells 
were hurled against AVagner. The enemy"' s firing was also 
rapid, throwing from their various forts an average of four- 
teen shots per minute. The shells thrown from our guns 
were so timed that when they struck or reached Battery 
"Wagner they exploded, raising vast columns of sand and 
burying many of the guns, and uncovering to a great extent 
the bomb-proofs. The bombardment as witnessed by many 
of us from the summit of the sand hills above our camp was 
grand and terrifying, and when the mind contemplated the 
assault that was to take place, with the inevitable loss of life 
that must follow, it was filled with sorrowful forebodings and 
sickening fears that brought pallor to the face and tears to 
the heart, if not to the eye. 

At seven o'clock p.m. the assaulting columns commenced 
forming at a distance of thirteen hundred and fifty yards 
from the fort. General Strong's brigade had the advance 
and was composed as previously in the assault of the 11th, 
with the addition of a regiment of colored troops — the Fifty- 
Fourth Massachusetts, commanded by Colonel Robert G. 
Shaw. AVhy this regiment of colored men w^as chosen and 
placed at the head of the assaulting party is unknown. It 
may have been for political reasons, or to allow a race so 
lately emancipated from slavery to share in the glory of this 
undertaking; or again, it may have been to infuriate the 
rebels. But no matter what the reason was, placing them 
in this position and at the last moment, took up valuable 
time. 

Darkness was approaching, made more dusky by a 



140 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

storm tliat threatened. > Putnam's brigade was in support of 
Strong's and Stephenson's followed. The balance of the 
troops on the island were also under arms, back midway of 
the island. The whole of the assaulting force was under 
command of General Seymour. General Gilmore was back, 
on the island. 

At half -past seven p.m. the order to charge on the 
double-quick was given by General Strong, and is thus 
described by an eye-witness and one who participated in it: 

The Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts (colored), six hundred and forty 
strong, at the command ''charge!" started out on the "double quick" in 
column of " wings," with the right resting on the sea, and passed obliquely 
to the left towards the land face of the fort. They were met by fully twice 
their number in the garrison, who opened upon them when within one 
hundred yards of the battery with a terrific volley of grape, shrapnel and 
musketry which had the effect of turning back the majority of the regi- 
ment. A small number, however, still followed their brave colonel across 
the moat or ditch and up the sides of the fort, and succeeded in planting 
their flag upon the ramparts; there Colonel Shaw was shot dead together 
with many of his brave men; the others were panic-stricken, and fled. 

General Strong with the balance of his brigade remained still stand- 
ing in columns of companies awaiting orders. It was not until the negroes 
had been repulsed that he again gave the order "Column, forward! double- 
quick, march! " and forward the brigade rushed, the Sixth Connecticut 
leading. All was quiet as the grave save the clatter of our tramp; not a 
gun was fired; the darkness of night was fast closing around us. As we 
neared the ditch, which contained some three feet of water, the parapet of 
the fort seemed to swarm with the enemy, who gave a fearful " yell" and 
then opened a withering fire with cannon and musketry. The column 
reeled and swayed, and many fell; it was light as day with the incessant 
flashes of the guns; the air was filled with the cheers of the living and the 
moans of the dying as they fell under the deadly missiles of the enemy 
until they lay in rows and heaps far up the fatal slope of the battery. The 
solid column of a few moments ago had melted away, with here and there 
a man standing in the gathering gloom; but they continued to press 
forward, stumbling over spikes, spear-heads and wire entanglements that 
had been placed with fiendish ingenuity to impede progress. We reached 
the southeast bastion, the strongest part of the works, drove the rebels 
from their guns; followed them over the terrace, and over the superior 
slope, and at last stood upon the parapet — one hundred and forty men, a 
mere handful — victorious! But at what a cost! We stood there in the 
darkness, awaiting orders and reinforcements, but none came. Nearly 



THE KILLED AND WOUNDED. 141 

three hours passed, each man acting for himself, until the enemy, having 
been reinforced, made an assault which we could not withstand and had to 
surrender. 

The Second Brigade, commanded by Colonel Putnam, 
had ill the meantime made a furious charge to reinforce 
those in the fort, but it was now dark, and they were driven 
back; and at last, late in the night, the shattered remnant of 
these brigades fell back, with Fort Wagner no nearer taken 
than it had been in the morning. General Strong was mor- 
tally wounded. Colonel Putnam was killed just as he 
reached the fort. Colonel Shaw had been killed at the first 
assault and was buried the next morning in a pit along with 
his dead negroes. Eight hundred of our dead were left 
behind and rudely buried in the sand the next morning by 
the Confederate soldiers. General Seymour was also wounded. 
Every field officer at the front, with the exception of Major 
Plympton of the Third New Hampshire, had been killed or 
wounded, and the entire Union loss in this assault was fully 
twenty-five hundred officers and enlisted men, although it 
was never fully ascertained. General Gilmore's quarterly 
report ending July 20th, 1863, showed that since the com- 
mencement of his operations on Morris Island he had lost , 
thirty-three per cent, of his troops (thirteen thousand) in 
killed, wounded, missing and sick. The Sixth and Seventh 
Connecticut and the Forty-Eighth New York had been more 
than decimated in number. 

Was this assault a sacrifice of life to incompetency? 
There were many bad, almost stupid blunders in the man- 
agement of this assault, but it is not the intention of the 
writer to point them out or attempt an explanation, even 
were he competent. It was considered by the country a most 
disastrous failure, and history has never done full justice to 
the courage and heroism there displayed. 

The hospital at the south end of the island, consisting 
chiefly of shelters for the operating tables, presented a most 



142 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



distressing and sickening sight even to the experienced sur- 
geon during the whole night of the 18th and a part of the 
following day. As fast as the wounded could be cared for 
they were placed upon the hospital transport to be taken to 
Hilton Head, 

In a few days many of the Eastern troops were ordered 
away to Hilton Head and some to Florida, but our division 
remained, under the command of Brigadier-General A. H. 
Terry. 

Work was at once commenced again at the front with 
the spade (which was becoming known as the " Gilmore 
rifle"), and sapping and mining and running parallels was 




Bomb-Pboof. 

vigorously prosecuted by heavy details of men from the 
various brigades both night and day, and exposed to constant 
fire from the enemy. Numbers of heavy guns were also 
arriving, mostly three hundred-pounder Parrotts, and were 
hauled up the beach by teams of twenty or more horses to 
the positions they were to occupy. 

In our hours of rest by day we were called upon to fight 
innumerable nuisances in the shape of sand-flies, fleas, and 
other pests; and besides, the heat Avas most intense and 
debilitating. At night the mosquitoes made it lively for us, 
and after an uneasy sleep it was no unusual thing to awaken 
with the eyes, nose, and mouth filled with sand that had 



THE ACTIVITY OF THE FORTS. 143 

drifted in througli the interstices of the tent. Durinor the 
night and when there woukl be unusual activity at the forts 
we would ascend the high sand-hills and watch the shells as 
they came towering up and over and then bursting with a 
dull, heavy sound and a scintillation that was brilliant in the 
extreme. Our details at the front were protected by heavv 
bomb-proofs which afforded them shelter from tlie storms 
and security from the enemy's shot and shell. Occasionallv, 
however, a litter would come back bearing some poor 
wounded mortal to the hospital. 

August 20th, Colonel Howell, of the Eighty-Fifth 
Pennsylvania, who temporarily commanded our brigade, was 
injured severely by the falling in of a bomb-broof under 
which he was sheltered, causing concussion of the brain and 
scalp wound. After receiving the necessary attention and he 
was able to travel he was given leave of absence and departed 
for his home near Philadelphia, Colonel Osborn of the Thir- 
ty-Ninth succeeding him in command of the brigade. 

The location of our quarters gave a splendid view of 
the whole scene of operations. In our front were our heavy 
batteries, and almost continually in exercise, together with 
Forts Sumter, Wagner, Gregg and the batteries on Sullivan's 
Island. At our right was the imposing fleet, under com- 
mand of Admiral Dahlgren, and at night the ships were 
splendidly lit up with signal lights and rockets. The scene 
presented was enjoyable, but when we thought of all this 
combination engaged in active and fratricidal warfare, a 
shade of sadness would involuntarily creep over us, and Ave 
turned to our beds wondering as to the result. Dui-ing tlie 
subsequent operations on the parallels, and while Colonel 
Osborn was inspecting, as '•'•officer of the day," the various 
batteries, he was partially stunned by the premature dis- 
charge of a three-hundred-pound gun, and Avas laid up for 
several days in consequence. 

The second parallel was opened by the flying sap at 



144 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



seven huiKlred and fifty yards from the fort on the 28d of 
July ; the third parallel at four hundred and fifty yards on 
August 9th; and beyond this point the trenches were pushed 
forward rapidly, sometimes by the flying sap and sometimes 
the full sap, as occasion required. The fourth parallel was 
completed on the 23d of August, and the fifth parallel, at two 
hundred yards, was finished and a ridge wrested from the j 
enemy August 2()th. Beyond this point there was not front 
enough for a parallel, and the approach was made by zigzags 
with sharp angles. 




FOET SUMTEK IN RuiNS. 

Fort Sumter had been continuously bombarded, and on 
the 24th of August General Gilmore reported it a mass of 
ruins. It was curious to Avatch the heavy solid shot and 
shell when they struck the fort, as they invariably did, the 
range being so perfect; and when they did strike, a heavy 
cloud of debris was lifted, and as it settled we could plainly 
see the break it had made in the wall of the fort. 

In the latter part of August it was discovered that the 
enemy had a number of sharpshooters in some strong rifle 



A DESERTER FROM FORT WAGXER. 145 

pits just in advance of Fort Wagner, and it was determined 
to dislodge them. Two hundred and fifty picked men from 
the Twenty-Fourth Massachusetts Volunteers were selected 
to do this business. They crept quietly to the head of the 
sap, and upon the oj'der being given dashed from there over 
the open space, and soon found themselves at the rifle pits 
in close contact with the rebels. The enemy opened fire 
from both Wagner and Gregg, and for a short time the air 
was full of death. The Union boys received the fire from 
the rifle pits, which did but little execution — the aim had 
been too high, and before the "graybacks" could reload, 
seventy-five of them were taken prisoners. From that time 
until the fall of AVagner no Confederates ventured outside 
the fort in our direction. 

September 1st, a large number of light mortars were 
taken to the front, and the position for the sharpshooters Avas 
enlarged; and on the morning of the 5th another heavy 
bombardment by the land batteries was commenced, and 
continued for a period of forty -two hours, the whole fire 
being concentrated upon battery Wagner. On the evening 
of the 6th, five companies of the Thirty-Ninth were ordered 
to the front as "grand guards" at the trenches, and a like 
number from some of the other regiments, all under the 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Mann. At or near mid- 
night a young man, an Irishman, small in stature, and whose 
clothing was dripping with sea brine, was brought by a 
corporal of the guard before the commanding officer as a 
deserter from Fort AYagfner, and who stated that the fort was 
being evacuated by the rebels. Upon being questioned, he 
said, •• I deserted because I have no love for the rebels or 
their cause. I was taken some few months ago from a vessel 
that had run the blockade from the Bermudas, and placed in 
Fort Wagner as a soldier, and I want to go home. The 
majority of the garrison of the fort have gone, leaving a 
squad of men to set fire to the fuse connecting with the 



146 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

powder magazines, with the intent to blow you all up, and I 
escaped and made my way by swimming around to you in 
order to give the information." He was told that the matter 
would be immediately inquired into, and if the intelligence 
he brought proved true that he would be rewarded and sent 
home; if otherwise, he would certainly be shot. "Well, sor, 
I'll take the chances!" said he. He was given in charge of 
the guards, to be taken to General Gilmore, but not before a 
rough plan of the fort was drawn, with a request for him 
to point out the location of the magazines, which he did. 
Just previous to the arrival of this man. General Gilmore 
had sent up a dispatch from his headquarters on Folly Island, 
inquiring about the working of the calcium lights that had 
recently been placed in position. The answer had been 
returned, and Lieutenant- Colonel Mann, in his hurry and 
excitement over the good news, sent the following dispatch 
to General Gilmore direct, forgetting the courtesy due the 
Division Commander, Brigadier-General Terry, through 
whom it should have been sent: 

12:05 O'clock a. m. 
General Gilmore: A deserter just in from Wagner reports that they 
have evacuated the fort, except a few men left to blow up the magazines; 
says they have gone to Fort Gregg. Shall I turn my guns on it? Prisoner 
is Irish, and swam in. Have sent him to you. 

Lt.-Col. 0. L. Mann. 

To this the following answer was returned: 

12:15 O'clock a. m. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Mann: Turn all your batteries on Gregg. 

General Gilmobe. 
1:10 A. M. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Mann: Cease firing on Gregg and open on Wagner 
actively for about fifteen minutes; then gradually slacken; then cease. 
When you have ceased, send five resolute men from the head of the sap 
into the fort to ascertain whether it is evacuated. If it is evacuated send 
in twenty men to seize any men who may be lurking there to blow up the 
magazine. Genekal Q. A. Gilmobe. 

1:20 A. M. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Mann: If the fort is evacuated send the calcium 
light up to Wagner and put it on the parapet of the sea-face, so that it 



WAGNER EVACUATED. 147 

will be sheltered from James Island and Fort Johnson. Let the light be 
thrown on Gregg and the intervening ground. 

General A. H. Tekky. 

3:30 A. M. 
General Gilmore: One of the five men sent in has returned and 
reports all quiet. Captain James Wightman and twenty men have gone 
in and the colors of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois are planted on the ramparts. 

Lt.-Col. 0. L. Mann. 

The telegraph line was now ordered to be extended and 
taken into Fort Wagner. At five o'clock a.m. General 
Terry liad his division under arms and in motion proceeding 
to Forts AVagner and Gregg. One regiment was left to 
garrison Fort Gregg and the Second Brigade, one thousand 
strong, was put into Fort Wagner, while the balance of the 
troops were sent back to quarters. 

At eight o'clock a.m. the telegraph line was completed 
to Fort Wagner by Lieutenant Dana, and the first dispatch 
to be sent over the completed line was the following; 

8:20 o'clock a. m. 
General Gilmore: The general officer of the trenches sends his compli- 
ments and congratulations to the General commanding, from the bomb- 
proof in fallen Fort Wagner. His confidence in God and General Gilmore 
is unshaken. Lt.-Col. 0. L. Mann. 

Among the &te men who volunteered to enter the fort 

after the news of its being fevacuated, was Private Cornelius 

Cox of Company G, and with a view of giving as much 

information as possible concerning the occupation of this 

formidable battery, the brief and modest account of Cox is 

here inserted. 

STATEMENT OF CORNELIUS COX. 
Some time after midnight September 7th, a man came in from 
battery Wagner, having swam out in the water to elude detection, and 
reported to the commanding officer of the trenches that Wagner was 
being evacuated. Soon after. Major Linton came around and called for 
volunteers from each company to enter the fort and ascertain whether the 
report was true or false. I volunteered for Company G. There were five 
of us. We separated, and passed around on top of the parapet until 
opposite each other, and then came through the fort and met in the center. 
While we were doing this, the rebels fired two shots from their small 
mortars, which was the last of them. After looking around and finding 



148 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

some of the guns spiked, one of the five was sent back to report the fort 
evacuated, after which the regiment marched in and took possession. 
This was just at daybreak. I did not see any lighted fuse, but was 
informed afterwards that one of the five before mentioned did find a 
lighted fuse, supposed to lead to the magazine, and cut it. I do not think 
any particular oflScer, man or company is entitled to credit for first occu- 
pying the fort after the fact had been established that it had been 
evacuated. I do not write this because I wish to figure as a hero, for I am 
aware that it would be unjust to mention names, unless all that did their 
duty could be mentioned; but I do think five men from the regiment, 
regardless of any particular company, are entitled to the credit of first 
entering Fort Wagner under very perilous circumstances. 

I may add that we each received a complimentary "furlough" of 
thirty days indorsed by General Quincy A. Gilmore and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Orrin L. Mann. 

There was great rejoicing over tlie downfall of this 
great earthwork — the most formidable of ancient or modern 
times, that had successfully withstood the combined efforts 
of both army and navy for nearly three months, and would 
have still held out had there been a larger force for its 
defense. The event was soon heralded in song. j 

"Yes, Wagner is ours! Oh, glory, hurrah! 
Won't all those head rebels feel gay! 
And the greatest arch-traitor the world ever saw — 

Old Jeff — will feel tickled to-day. 
All honor and fame to the gallant and brave, i 

Who have forced the ' rebs ' out of their holes; 
Bring out the old banner, and proud let it wave, 
With the sun shining bright on its folds. 

Then, hurrah, boys! hurrah! shout glory and sing. 

For the traitors look sadly forsaken; 
Our glorious old Eagle is still on the wing. 
For Wagner is taken! boys, taken!" 

The possession of the whole of Morris Island placed 
Sumter and many of the enemy's other forts, and the lower 
part of the city of Charleston within reach of our guns, and 
these forts were soon abandoned. The city of Charleston, 
however, had been reached by shot and shell some weeks 
previously by a little battery known as the " Swamp Angel." 
This battery had been constructed about the middle of July. 



THE ''SWAMP angel: 



149 



General Gilmore ordered Colonel Surrell of the New York 
Engineer regiment and Major Miehie to explore the marsh 
lying between Morris and James Islands in the direction of 
Charleston, and report if it was feasible to erect a small 
battery there whose shots could reach the city. After three 
days' patient investigation a favorable report was made, and 
an order was given to one of Colonel Surrell's subordinate 
officers, Captain Crusoe, to make the necessary requisitions 
and proceed with the work. This officer, after exploring the 
marsh and finding the mud not less than fifteen feet deep, 
closed his requisition by asking for one hundred men 




»v 



'Swamp Angel." 



eighteen feet high to do work in a marsh into which they 
were liable to sink eight feet. The officer was arrested 
instead of being promoted -for his witticism, but the work 
was begun. Planks were laid from the island westward 
across the marsh for nearly two miles to the spot on a small 
creek designated for the battery, and anchored downi by saiid 
bags to keep them from floating oft* in high tide. Over this 
pathway, in single file, details of soldiers carried bags of 
sand from which, with the aid of timbers floated up the creek 
from Folly Island, a small fort with capacity for one gun 
was in due time constructed, and all done under cover of 
darkness. As soon as ready, a one-hundred-pounder Par- 



150 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

rott gun was floated there on a scow boat, under the same 
cover, and placed in position. The 18th of August, General 
Gilmore, under flag of truce, notified General Beauregard of 
the Confederate forces that he was prepared to reach the 
heart of the city with his guns, and that unless Forts Wag- 
ner, Gregg and Sumter were surrendered to the authority of 
the United States, he should bombard the city; and further 
suggested that if his demand was not recognized the women 
and children be removed from the city. General Beauregard 
thought this to be all buncombe on the part of Gilmore and 
refused. The next day the "Swamp Angel" was trained on 
the spire of St. Michael's church, plainly visible, and at two 
o'clock the following morning the first shot was fired. Those 
who witnessed the occurrence could trace the shell by its 
burning fuse as it went over on its mission. Shot succeeded 
shot until the third, whose shell exploded in the city of 
Charleston, and soon flames were seen ascending. It was 
learned the next day by the "exchanges" received by the 
courtesy of the pickets, that this shell, charged with Greek 
fire, had fallen through the roof of a large building filled 
with medical supplies and had started a serious fire that con- 
sumed an entire block of buildings before extinguished. The 
succeeding shots that were fired reached the city, but none 
proved so disastrous as did the third one. At the thirty- 
second shot, the reinforcement or rear portion of the gun 
was blown out, and this accident ended the brief but brilliant 
career of this famous little battery. The gun was never 
replaced, for before a new one could have been placed in 
position Forts Wagner and Gregg had fallen, which brought 
us within easy range of the city. This little battery took its 
unique name from a remark made by a member of the Thir- 
ty-Ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. As a Chicago 
paper said at the time of the fall of Wagner, ''the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois regiment being the only one in that military 
department from Illinois, it of course was expected to furnish 



THE ''SWAMP ANGEL'' SENT NORTH. 151 

a name for the most famous little fort ever erected, and be 
the first to plant its colors on the strongest earthworks ever 
constructed." Late at night the adjutant of the regiment 
made a detail of fifty men to help construct the pathway 
across the marsh. AVhen they returned early next morning, 
all covered with mud and slush, Corporal John Kipp of Com- 
pany K, a good deal of a wag, was asked where on earth he 
had been and what he had been doing to get so bespattered. 
"I will tell you," replied the jolly corporal. "We have been 
out in the great marsh, and as nearly as I can guess we have 
been constructing a pulpit of sand for some swamp angel 
to preach from." From this little incident the battery took 
on a name by which it was known as far as intelligence 
could reach. 

The "Swamp Angel" gun at the close of the war, or 
when the forts on Morris Island were dismantled, was sent 
North to be broken up, and was taken to the Arsenal at 
Trenton, New Jersey. It was not to meet so ignoble a fate, 
however, for while lying at the Arsenal it was recognized by 
some oup as the "Swamp Angel," and measures w^ere at 
once taken to insure its preservation. It was repaired, nicely 
mounted and inscribed and placed in the public square of 
the city of Trenton, a most interesting relic of the "War of 
the Eebellion." 

There was great rejoicing over this victory among the 
troops already forming for the assault, and, poor fellows, 
they were to be congratulated upon this much saved from 
the bloody wreck of war, for the loss of life during this 
abortive siege had been terrible. 

. The Thirty-Ninth garrisoned this fort and also battery 
Greffo- in their turn for a long time after their evacuation, 
and during the time lost several valuable men. On the 
night of September 23d Captain Joseph Woodruff of 
Company K was struck with a fragment of shell that had 
been thrown from Sullivan's Island. The piece entered his 



152 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

abdomen, wounding the intestines, but lie continued breath- 
ing for several hours. The Captain was one of our bravest 
officers; quiet and sedate in his manner, but always genial 
and sociable in his intercourse with both officers and men. 
After his death the officers of the regiment were convened 
and the following resolutions drafted and adopted as expres- 
sive of our sense of the irreparable loss that had befallen the 
regiment: 

RESOLUTIONS. 

Whebeas, On the night of September 23d, 1863. Captain Joseph 
Woodruflf, of Company K, Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, while 
on duty as officer in command at Fort Gregg, and when about to be 
relieved from said duty, was wounded by a shell from Fort Moultrie which 
carried away a large portion of his right side, causing his death in less 
than two hours after the receipt of the injury; therefore. 

Resolved, That while we recognize the hand of God in all things, we 
can but mourn the loss of our brother officer, and one of our country's 
noble defenders; and, while we so deeply regret the violent death that 
snatched from us one whose every act endeared him to all— whose loyalty, 
patriotism and bravery proclaimed him a true man and soldier, we cannot 
but feel that our loss is his gain, and that he has left a world of suffering 
and gone to join that band of noble patriots that have fallen before him 
in their country's defense. 

Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathies to the family and 
friends in this their sad bereavement of a kind husband, father, and 
generous companion, and trust that they may find consolation in the fact, 
that he fell while at his post and in the discharge of his duty; and that in 
dying, he evinced, while sensible, that spirit of resignation which bespeaks 
the faith of a Christian. 

Resolved, That as a token of our respect and esteem, the officers of 
this regiment wear the usual badge of mourning for the next thirty days, 
and that a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be sent to the 
family of the deceased, and that a copy of them be sent for publication to 
the Chicago Press and the Ottawa papers and the two papers of this 
Department. 

Chas. M. Clakk, Surgeon Thirty-Ninth Illinois, 
Capt. L. a. Bakeb, Co. A, Thirty-Ninth Illinois, 
Lt. C. J. WiLDEE, Co. H, Thirty-Ninth Illinois, 

Committee. 

The captured forts were enlarged and new batteries were 
erected, which still kept our men busy at work both night 



GEN. GILMORE'S ORDER. 153 

and clay. The rebels still gave us at intervals a galling fire 
that was very troublesome, although doing no very great 
damage. The forts of the enemy were constantly bom- 
barded and the shelling of Charleston was continued. The 
vessels constituting the naval force at times consented to 
join in, but as a general thing they were most gloriously 
inactive. 

It was considered by us landsmen that after the taking 
of forts Wagner, Gregg, and the reduction of Fort Sumter, 
our iieet would push forward to the city of Charleston 
and demand its suri'ender or level it to the ground, but Ave 
were mistaken: and the plea for their hesitation was. that 
the channel was full of chains and torpedoes. But what if 
it was! Could they not sacrifice a ship or two and a few 
lives in common with us in the endeavor to abbreviate and 
crush out the headquarters of this audacious rebellion '? We 
were assured time and again that a portion of the channel 
was free from all obstructions, and the fact was reported to 
Dahlgren, but he Avould put no faith in the statement. He 
made the assertion that he believed there were cables sub- 
merged in that direction, to entrap his vessels, and declared 
that he would not make the attempt under any circum-' 
stances. 

A serious difficulty, in consequence, sprang up between 
General Gilmore and Dahlgren, and the troops on the island 
were gradually Avithdrawn, whereby General Gilmore divested 
himself and his gallant troops of the responsibility of the 
future of the seige. 

September 16tli the folloAving General Order Avas re- 
ceived from General Gilmore congratulating his troops and 
announcinc: the destruction of Fort Sumter: 

Depaetment of the South. Headquaetees in the Field. 
MoEEis Island, S. C. September loth, 1SG3. 

GENERAL ORDERS. 
It is with no ordinary feeling of gratification and pride that the 
Brigadier-General commanding is enabled to congratulate this army upon 



154 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the signal success which has crowned the enterprise in which it has been 
engaged. Fort Sumter is destroyed. The scene where our country's tiag 
suffered its first dishonor you have made the theatre of one of its proudest 
triumphs. 

The fort has been in possession of the enemy for more than two years; 
it has been his pride and boast; has been strengthened by every appliance 
known to military science and has defied the assaults of the most powerful 
and gallant fleet the world ever saw. But it has yielded to your courage 
and patient labor. Its walls are now crumbled to ruins: its formidable 
batteries are silenced; and though a hostile flag floats over it, the fort is a 
harmless and helpless wreck. 

Forts Wagner and Gregg, — works rendered memorable by their pro- 
tracted, resistance and the sacrifice of life they have cost, — have also been 
wrested from the enemy by your persevering courage and skill, and the 
graves of your fallen comrades rescued from desecration and contumely. 

You now hold in undisputed possession the whole of Morris Island; 
and the city and harbor of Charleston lie at the mercy of your artillery 
from the very spot where the first shot was fired at your country's flag and 
the rebellion itself was inaugiirated. 

To you, the officers and soldiers of this command, and to the gallant 
navy which has co-operated with you, are due the thanks of your com- 
mander and your country. You were called upon to encounter untold 
privations and dangers; to undergo unremitting and exhausting labors; 
to sustain severe and disheartening reverses. How nobly your patriotism 
and zeal have responded to the call the results of the campaign will show, 
and your commanding General gratefully bears witness. 

Q. A. GiLMOKE, Brig. Gen I Commanding. 



CHAPTEK XI. 



Ordered Back to Folly Island — Sent to Hilton Head — Vaccination — Re-enlist 
as Veterans — Had to Pass an Examination — The Thirty-Ninth Popu- 
■ lar and Given an Escort and an Ovation — Letter to Governor Yates 
from Generals Seymour and Gilmore — Embark for New York — 
Grounded on Frying Pan Shoals — Final Release — The Captain's 
Fault — The Vessel on Fire — Big Storm off Hatteras — Horse Loose — 
Another Calamity — Men Injured — Reach New York — Park Barracks 
— Take the Cars for Chicago — Arrival — Respects to the Tribune — 
Supper at Bryan Hall — Lady Managers of the Soldiers' Rest — Camp 
Fry — Furloughs — Dr. Woodward as Hamlet at McVicker's Theatre. 



n^HE Tliirty-Niiitli were soon ordered back to Folly Island 
and went into camp where company drill and battalion 
exercise occupied the most part of the time. We remained 
here very pleasantly under the shade of the magnolia and 
palmetto, with considerable diversion by way of fishing and 
hunting and paying visits to our friends. While here, 
Lieutenant-Colonel O. L. Mann was ordered on recruiting 
service and departed for Chicago the 10th day November, 
together with several subordinate ofiicej-s. That they made 
good use of their time was manifest when some two hundred 
and fifty recruits joined our ranks on our return to the front 
after our veteran furlouiih in Eebruarv, 18(j-t. AVe still re- 
tained our regimental hospital organization and all sick who 
could not be comfortably cared for were sent to St. Augus- 
tine, Florida. 

About the first of December we were ordered to report 
at Hilton Head and went into camp there. The same drills 
and exercises were continued, with a little more attention to 
discipline and the police of camp. Otherwise our life was 
as automatic as could be. AVhile here, an order came to re- 



156 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

vaccinate the whole command, and the detail of surgeons to 
accomplish the matter was made. We were receiving large 
numbers of negro troops, and they had brought with them 
the small-pox. Every man in each regiment of our brigade 
was vaccinated, and some curious scenes occurred; but this 
is no place to give the results of this forced vaccination. 

Duiing the time that we remained on the island the 
regiment was induced to re-enlist for three years or the con- 
tinuance of the war, with the exception of about one hundred 
who preferred to remain in this department until the term 
of their service expired and then proceed home for good. A 
large number of those who were Avilling to re-enlist could 
not be accepted by reason of physical disability. Each man 
had to undergo a rigid and thorough examination at the 
hands of the regimental surgeon. During the few days that 
the examination M^as in progress the sick call was but slimly 
attended, and it was exceeding wonderful to notice how 
rugged and healthful men would appear and represent them- 
selves, who had formerly been the best patrons of the dis- 
pensary, and all through their eagerness to re-enlist and 
get the opportunity of proceeding home. Each regiment that 
enlisted as a body was granted a furlough, and the Thirty- 
Ninth was the first in the department to accept these veteran 
honors. 

All was in readiness on the morning of January 28th, 
1804, to move down to the wharf for the purpose of embark- 
ing for home, but it was fully afternoon before the march 
was commenced, and this delay was occasioned from the fact 
that three brigades of the division were preparing to escort 
us, a compliment which gratified every man of the regiment. 
Our progress to the wharf was a perfect ovation, all the 
troops in the department turning out to greet us with a "6o» 
voyage.'''' The regiment numbered at this time four hundred 
and fifty men — the minimum number of a regiment that could 
retain its organization and receive "leave of absence" from 



LEAVE FOR HOME ON FURLOUGH. 157 

the Department for the purpose of proceeding home to 
recruit. 

The Thirty-Ninth was deservedly popular and a favorite 
in the Department of the South, as evinced on all sides at this 
time, and the following letters given to Colonel Osborn by 
Generals Gilmore and Seymour for Governor Yates plainly 
showed the esteem of our commanders. 

Headquaktees, Hilton Head (Pulaski), 
January 25, 1864. 
To His Excellency, the Governor of Illinois: 

Sir: — The Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Colonel T. 0. 
Osborn, having re-enlisted as a " veteran regiment," has been furloughed 
and will soon proceed homeward. I cannot permit it to leave my com- 
mand without expressing, so far as I am able, my entire satisfaction with 
its conduct under all circumstances. 

It will display to you, possibly, a state of disciplijie and excellence 
of instruction that will not be diminished by contrast with the very best of 
our volunteer regiments, and you may justly be proud of its past and pres- 
ent efficiency, for which Colonel Osborn, a most excellent officer, deserves 
great praise. 

Your Excellency will, I am sure, afford Colonel Osborn every reason- 
able facility for filling his command, and you can entrust the interests of 
your citizen-soldiers to no better hands. And I am 

Your Excellency's Obedient Servant, 

T. Seymoub, Brig. GenH Commanding. ■ 

On the back of this letter was the following endorse- 
ment by General Gilmore: 

Headquaetees, Department of the South, 
Hilton Head, Jaiiuary 25, 1864. 
I heartily endorse everything Brigadier-General Seymour says of the 
Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and their commanders, and 
hope the Governor of Illinois will use his influence to have the regiment 
returned to my command when recruited, unless Colonel Osborn prefers 
some other. Q. A. Gilmoee, Maj. Gen'l Commanding. 

Two large propellers, the "Mary Boardman" and "City 
of Bath," had been assigned to carry us to New York, and 
the regiment was divided for the passage. The right wing 
of the regiment and the regimental staff took passage on the 



158 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

"City of Bath," while the other win^ took the "Mary 
Boardman." 

We left the harbor at about ten o'clock p.m. The sea 
was tranquil and the weather most enjoyable during the 
night, and the morning was ushered in with a glorious "sun- 
burst" and a clear sky, with the ocean as smooth as glass. 
About nine o'clock in the morning we neared "Frying Pan 
shoals," and those on deck had their attention called to what 
was considered a school of porpoises disporting, but we were 
not quite certain in the matter, and went forward to the 
pilot-house to make inquiry. The man at the wheel did not 
know exactly what it was, at least he said so, but as we 
approached nearer and nearer we became convinced that it 
was shoal water; and our conjectures and fears were more 
than realized' in a moment more when the ship struck the 
bar with a dull heavy thud which brought us to our knees. 
After striking, the ship careened over at an angle of forty- 
five degrees, and we all rushed to the opposite side in the 
endeavor to balance her. The sea was calm and smooth 
when we struck, but there was evidence of an approaching 
storm in the light puffs of wind that occasionally reached iis, 
and the increasing ripple on the wide undulating billoAvs 
around. 

There was no panic among the men, and the only 
concern manifested was on the part of the captain, who got 
a little excited as hour after hour wore away without much 
progress made in getting off. The Colonel and Dr. Clark 
descended the hatchways into the lower hold to see if there 
was any sign of leak or damage to the ship's bottom, but 
could not find anything to alarm them. 

But here we were, aground on a sand-bar — no land in 
sight, the nearest being twenty miles distant, and no pro- 
gress made in our constant efforts to back off. Under the 
orders of the captain we rushed from side to side of the ship 
and full steam was put upon the reversed propeller. The 



VESSEL ON FIRE. I59 

wind continued to freshen and the waves became quite 
respectable in size, and we began to feel a little uneasy at 
the prospect, when all at once, at the expiration of the third 
hour, the cry came, "She moves! she moves!!" and sure 
enough we were soon free again and moving in a direction 
that gave the shoal a wide berth. Such a glad shout of 
thanksgiving as went up from the hearts of two hundred 
and fifty war-worn soldiers never was listened to before or 
since. We had struck the bar with great force while under 
the momentum of a full head of steam, and had grounded 
along for the distance of two ship's lengths, and our good 
fortune in getting off was mainly due to the rising tide and 
the coming storm. It was a piece of gross carelessness that 
we were brought into the difficulty, but the captain explained 
that he wished to make a quick trip and had taken an unfre- 
quented channel with the hope of getting through, and that 
the pilot at the wheel had missed it. 

The captain of our vessel was an Englishman and had 
in conversation expressed his sympathy for the South, and 
when we struck the bar we did not know but what it was a 
preconcerted plan to wreck us. We held a short consulta- 
tion and came to the conclusion that, if he did not make 
the proper endeavor to extricate the vessel or show a pretty 
liberal interest in our safety, we would, before compelled to 
leave the vessel, hangf him and his officers to the vard-arm. 
The poor man, however, was more frightened at his situation 
than we were, and we accepted his explanation readily^ but 
not without informing him of our suspicions. He was a 
jolly and good-natured tar, and after this did everything 
he could to afford us pleasvire and comfort. 

Our trip was destined to be an eventful one, for in a 
short time after the late disaster we discovered the ship on 
fire around the smokestack on the second deck, but a few 
pails of water sufficed to extinguish it. 

The storm came on apace, and as we rounded Cape 



160 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Hatteras it seemed to reach its greatest fury and it became 
impossible to keep a footing. The vessel rolled fearfully, 
and at times we had some fears of completely rolling over, 
especially when our course led us into the trough of the sea. 
To add to the horrors of our situation, word was brought 
by a seaman that Dr. Clark's horse had broken loose from 
his stall and was in the hold among the men. The Doctor 
crept up to the deck, and then crawling dog-fashion on all- 
fours succeeded in reaching the forward hatch and descended 
to the hold, and, sure enough, there was the poor horse, 
reeking with perspiration and frightened out of his senses. 
At each roll of the ship he would go sliding along the deck, 
each muscle braced to the utmost tension; and bang! he 
would strike against the side; and this was repeated many 
times before we were able to throw and secure him on a bed 
of hay prepared for the purpose. When his stall first gave 
way he came very near falling through the lower hatchway, 
and was only saved by the efforts of the men. 

Still later in the day, another and more grievous calamity 
befel some of the men of Company I, who were located in 
the vicinity of some huge water-casks which broke away 
from their lashings and came like an avalanche upon 
them. Six men were seriously injured — broken ribs, arms 
and collar bones, and it was with the utmost difficulty that 
we got them aft into the cabin where their injuries could be 
attended to. It being impossible to transport them up and 
over the deck, we with the consent of the captain knocked 
doAvn a partition separating the cabin from the hold, and 
soon had them in berths where they were made as comfort- 
able as possible until our arrival at New York, when four of 
them were taken to the hospital on David's Island. 

A dense darkness overtook us before reaching Sandy 
Hook and no pilot-boats were visible, and after vain efforts 
to signal one by the use of rockets for fully the space of an 
hour, our captain determined to try and make the outer 



REACH NEW YORK. 101 

harbor, for it seemed madness to anchor and try to ride out 
the storm until daylight on such a dangerous coast; and the 
captain succeeded, much to our delight, and we were soon at 
anchor in quiet waters. 

In the early morning we steamed up to the city and 
made fast to the pier at the foot of Cortland street, where 
we speedily disembarked and marched to the Park barracks, 
where we found the other companies of the Thirty-Ninth 
which had reached the harbor some twelve hours previously. 
Their vessel had not encountered all the trials that we had 
been subjected to, yet their progress had been marked with 
some disagreeable incidents, for their ship had twice caught 
fire, which had given some alarm, but fortunately it was 
discovered soon enough to be easily extinguished. 

The regiment remained in Park barracks on Chatham 
square until the following morning, February 3d, 1864, 
when it took up the line of march for the New" York and 
Erie railroad depot. The regiment presented a fine appear- 
ance after the rest afforded, and the brushing and cleansing 
they had received; and their passage to the ferry was 
witnessed by thousands eager to see an Illinois regiment, 
and their plaudits were incessant as the veterans passed with, 
even, measured step — proudly erect and conscious of the 
honor paid them. 

The passage over the North river was soon made, and 
we were speedily aboard an elegant train of cars awaiting us 
in the depot, and after a few moments delay to await strag- 
glers Avere rolling out of Jersey City for home. We 'passed 
on swiftly and safely, enjoying the rare and beautiful scenery 
along this line of railway, with nothing to mar the pleasure 
of the trip except the attendant fatigue that must necessarily 
accompany so long a journey by rail. 

Some little delay was always consequent at our stopping 
places, for the men would ramble and stray about, glad of a 
little opportunity to stretch their limbs and seek refresh- 



162 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

ment both solid and liquid, and when all were "on board" 
again there were merry times in which "King Gambrinus " 
took no small share. 

As we neared our destination a telegram came for us to 
"hurry up!" as the ladies of the Soldiers' Eest and the 
citizens of Chicago generally were waiting to give us a 
reception, and we did hurry — the train fairly flying over the 
rails; but it was midnight before we reached Chicago, and 
it was supposed that we would have to go supperless to bed. 
All haste was made in the disembarkation and the liiie Avas 
soon formed. Marching up to Clark street, the regiment 
pursued its course to the Tribinie building where three 
cheers were given for the loyal press, and then counter- 
marched to Bryan Hall, where a good supper awaited us at 
the hands of the lovely, loyal and patriotic ladies of Chicago. 
After a feast of good things seasoned with the loving smiles 
of our pretty waiters, some speech-making was indulged in 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Mann and Colonel Osborn, and the 
festivities closed with a song or two by the regimental glee 
club. The men then marched to North Market Hall and 
bivouacked for the night. The following morning, February 
7th, the regiment again repaired to Bryan Hall for breakfast, 
and were more than satisfied with what they received at the 
hands of the ladies. 

It would appear like base ingratitude, and it certainly 
would be doing great injustice to the lady managers of the 
Chicago Soldiers' Best, did we not give them more than a 
passing mention in this volume, and we are sure that the 
surviving members of the Thirty-Ninth (to say nothing of 
the shades of our many dead heroes) would never be satis- 
fied unless we meted out to them some measure expressive 
of their common gratitude. The patriotic devotion of these 
ladies — their incessant labor both day and night in endeavors 
to give a cheering and home-like reception to the many 
weary soldiers who were constantly going and coming— 



CAMP FRY. 163 

their care, patience and watchful kindness for the sick and 
disabled that were sheltered and fed and clothed, enshrined 
them in the hearts of the soldiers. 

"They were women, to their glorious nature true, 
And did all that angels would be asked to do." 

There are not a great many of that devoted band left now — 
they have gone up higher. The writer cherishes a grateful 
memory of them all — Mrs. Livermore, Mrs. Hoge, Mrs. 
James B. Bradwell, Mrs. Dr. Hamill, Mrs. Dickinson, Mrs. 
Sayres, Mrs. Blane and a score of others whose names are 
not so easily recalled. There was one. Miss Julia R. Hamill, 
who after the war became his wife, and who proved a most 
devoted and loving companion until death claimed her in 
1871. Her many virtues and lovely character have been a 
cherished memory these many long and wearisome years. 

After our breakfast the boys were given furloughs to 
proceed to their homes and to report back at Camp Fry, 
Chicago, within ten days or else be considered deserters. 

Active measures were taken to recruit, and within the 
period of thirty "days we had received about two hundred 
and fifty men, making our aggregate strength nearly seven 
hundred and eighty. 

The long days and nights at Camp Fry (now Wright's 
Grove) will long be remembered as making a sum-total of 
misery that was illy borne; for a large city was near that 
afforded pleasure and enjoyment, and to be guarded in a 
circumscribed camp was unendurable. Passes were freely 
given, however, to visit the city and return within tM'enty- 
four hours, but each man was prone to think he was entitled 
to more freedom, and taking advantage of the Colonel's 
sympathies and good nature often remained away for forty- 
eight. 

Nothing of especial interest occurred during our stay 
in Chicago excepting, perhaps, the appearance on the ])oards 
of McVicker's Theatre of our second assistant surgeon. Dr. 



164 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Woodward, who volunteered his services at the benefit 
of Mr. Warren, the treasurer, in the third act of "Hamlet."" 
The doctor was, or wished to be considered a second Forrest, 
Booth, or Murdoch in the rendition of Hamlet, and often 
had amused us at the bivouac or when in winter quarters by 
spouting the various soliloquies that Shakespeare so ingen- 
iously and artistically fashioned for the character, and our 
appreciation of his power had culminated in the vanity of 
appearing before the public in this character. We finally 
secured for the doctor an engagement for this particular 
time, and telegraphed for him to be ready on the evening 
of March 11th. The doctor arrived from Belvidere ( his 
home) the preceding day for rehearsal. On the morning 
of the eventful day we saw placarded on the bulletin in 
prominent places of the city in large type: 

BENEFIT 

OF THE TEEA8UBEE OF THE THEATBE 

Henry Warren! 

who has the pleasure of announcing to his friends, that the distinguished 
Military Amateuk 

DOCTOK WM. WOODWAKD, 

assistant surgeon, 
Thiett-Ninth Illinois Infantky, 

HAS KINDLY VOLUNTEERED TO APPEAR AS 

— HAMLET — 

In THE Third Act of Shakespeare's Tragedy of that name, etc., etc. 

The doctor felt his oats just a trifle, and made prepara- 
tions for the evening performance. The regiment was per- 
mitted to come to the city in a body and witness the triumph 
of this "protege" under the especial care and guidance of 
the spirit of the immortal master, and were prepared to sus- 
tain him, if their presence was capable of inspiration. 

Seven o'clock came and the house was rapidly filling 
with the beauty and gallantry of the city. The regimental 
band was discoursing lively airs and everything was full of 



DOCTOR WOODWARD AS -HAMLETS 165 

promise. Adjutant F. B. Marshall and Dr. Clark had taken 
a box on the left of the stage and were soon joined by Colonel 
Osborn and Governor Yates, with ladies. In a few moments 
we went out on the stage making inquiry for Woodward, 
and were directed to his dressing room below. We found 
him already dressed for the character, but he said that he 
felt a little nervous and uneasy, and "by the twitchings of 
his lips" we knew that a little stimulation was the remedy, 
so we marched him across the alley where a superior 
quality of "wet goods" was said to be "furnished," and 
gave him a stout fitting out with A. 1 " Irish courage" in 
the shape of "B" whisky, and shortly he announced that 
"Hamlet" was himself once more. Returning to the theatre 
we found that the curtain had been " rung up" and the farce 
of " A Regular Fix" was in progress. This was soon ended, 
and then came our amateur in the shape of a bald-headed, 
spindle-shanked Hamlet with his conventional habit of som- 
bre hue and Avitli "To be, or not to be, that is the question" 
upon his lips. We watched him and the audience most 
critically, for we were intensely interested not only for him 
but for ourselves,* for we felt that we must share in whatever 
reward was given. He, happily, accomplished the role very' 
satisfactorily and received the plaudits of the audience. 
The morning papers of the following day took some notice 
of the Doctor's performance, and all spoke of it in a good- 
natured way except the Times, which in the course of its 
comment remarked: "If the Doctor of the Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois murders the men of his regiment in the same 
manner he did Hamlet last night, he had better leave the 
service." Woodw^ard felt quite indignant over this "slur" 

and always Wilbur F. Storey and his dramatic critic 

when the subject was mentioned. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Assemble at Bryan Hall — Speeches of Governor Yates and Others — Orders 
to Go to the Front — Poem — Leave Chicago — Trouble at Pittsburgh 
— How it all Ended — Arrive at Washington — Cross the Potomac — 
Arlington Heights — Camp Grant — First Connecticut Heavy Artillery 
— Major Cook — Colonel OsbornSick — Fort Barnard — Start a Masonic 
Lodge — Move to Gloucester Point — Vast Array and Great Prepara- 
tions — Embark — Halt at Fortress Monroe for Orders — Proceed Up 
the James River — Debark at Bermuda Hundred. 



TDEFORE our return to the army the regiment assembled 
at Bryan Hall to listen to words of encouragement, 
congratulation and counsel from Governor Yates. The night 
was stormy and the mud and slush in the streets made our 
march to the hall anything but comfortable. Notwithstand- 
ing the inclemency of the weather the hall was filled with 
men and women and hundreds were unable to get in even 
for a standing position. 

Upon the appearance of His Excellency Governor Yates 
the applause was loud, prolonged and deej^ly earnest. He 
commenced his address by alluding to the activity that had 
been evinced frojn the time of the rebel eruption ^^ntil the 
present hour, by the people of that glorious commonwealth, 
Illinois. From the moment the booming of the incendiary 
gun, directed at the heart of the nation, rolled over the land, 
the cities, towns, villages, hamlets and prairies of the great 
Northwest gave, without stint or limit, men; and he was 
proud to say that his State was foremost in the response for 
hands and hearts to uphold the constitution, the country, and 
the laws. 

He spoke of those who, in the spring of 1861, came 

166 



GOV. YATES' ADDRESS AT BRYAN HALL. 1(37 

ready and Avilling into the ranks, and leaving behind them 
homes, comforts, loved ones and dear kindred, to meet a 
deadly and vindictive foe. He alluded to the flags that the 
people of Chicago had entrusted to the Thirty-Ninth Regi- 
ment, and then pointed to them as they were being unfurled 
by the men who had borne them in the hour of strife and 
deadly conflict. "You see them there," said he, "tattered 
and torn, riddled by shot and shell, and stained by the blood 
of brave men, but you will find no blot upon their escutcheon." 
The applause that followed this remark lasted for a long 
time, the ladies joining heartily in the evidences of patriotic 
and loyal approval. 

The Governor then remarked that it was a source of joy 
to our men in the field to know how earnestly the people of 
their State labored for the cause in which they were actively 
engaged. The women had been unremitting in their efforts 
to send them aid, and to support and assist the helpless and 
dependent wives and mothers, sisters and children whom 
they had left behind them. The merchants, manufacturers, 
the bar, bench, pulpit and the press of Chicago, with but 
one exception (and God have mercy on that exception!) 
have spoken in unmistakable tones, and let the world know 
the fact, that the capital, enterprise, industry, piety and brains 
of all the loyal people were devoted to the perpetuation of 
the great Republic. 

The regiment had brought with them two six-hundred- 
pounder solid shot from Morris Island — one a round shot 
and the other conical, such as were thrown into Fort 
Wagner on the day of the bombardment by the monitors. 
Previous to the meeting they had been placed in position on 
the platform in front of the speaker, and Governor Yates 
when he referred to the Peace Commissioners that our 
government had been requested to send to confer with 
several sent by Jeff* Davis and who were then resting under 
a "flag of truce" on their rebel craft off' Fort Monroe, said, 



168 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

"Yes, I am in favor of sending peace commissioners to meet 
the gentlemen from Richmond." This remark met with a 
very cool reception, for the movement was not favored by 
the North. " But," he continued, " I would desire to name 
these commissioners, and do you ask whom I would name ? 
I would name this (placing his foot on one of the shot) for 
one of them and I would name that (pointing to the conical 
shot) as the other." This was a masterful stroke, and old 
Bryan Hall never witnessed a wilder scene of fervid patriot- 
ism than the one that followed. 

The Governor continued in a most eloquent strain — 
lashing the copperheads right and left, speaking of the 
efforts for the disruption of the Union, and finally ended a 
two hours' speech by showing the propriety of all loyal per- 
sons sustaining the right, and thus render the government 
adequate to any emergency. He wanted to see the rebellion 
crushed and forever; to be driven into the lowest depths of 
perdition, never again to rise to our own annoyance or to 
imperil the liberties of our posterity. 

The regiment seemed to consider carefully every word 
that was uttered, and not one instance of disorder occurred, 
nor was there noticed among this large gathering a disor- 
derly person. 

After the discourse of the Governor short speeches 
were made by Colonel Osborn, Lieutenant-Colonel Mann and 
others, and then we departed for our quarters at Camp Fry. 

In a day or two afterwards (February 28th) we received 
orders to return to the army and were instructed to report at 
Washington. It was again a sorrowful time, to break loose 
from the home ties that bound us, but the remorseless clutch 
of war had its grip upon every one of us, and it was forward, 
march ! We could not help but reflect upon and repeat the 
sentiments of the poet "I. B." who says: 

When fortune has severed the home ties that bind us, 
Though peaceful vocations have called us away, 



RETURN TO THE ARMY. 169 

How anxious we feel for the loved ones behind us, 

And deprecate every unlooked-for delay. 
Nor less do the loved ones partake of the sorrow, 

Who bide by the hearthstone, though silent, yet sad: 
Not sustained by excitement, or hope for the morrow. 

Even fancy refuses to make the heart glad. 

But when ruthless war has, with power unrelenting. 

Torn warm loving hearts from each other's embrace. 
And made to face death with no time for repenting. 

How fearful the picture no pencil can trace! 
If love to our country and God, without measure, 

Shall rule and prevail in each patriot's breast. 
We can welcome such trials— yes, hail them with pleasure. 

And anchor our hopes in the land of the blest. 

It is well at all times to prepare for the parting. 

Which falls to the lot of us mortals below. 
Earth is transient at best, and the briny tear starting, 

Should point to the land where the tear does not flow. 
Yes, there is a land that is free from all sorrow, 

W^here friend can greet friend without fearing to part; 
Earth is hollow: — our footsteps may crumble to-morrow; 

Then '' build on the Rock " and have peace to thy heart. 

AVe left Camp Fry at seven o'clock on our march to the 
depot of the Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne railroad, and on the 
march wei-fe the obseryed of all observers, more especially 
after we had reached the South Side, where the most of our' 
friends were congregated. The regiment never looked better 
or marched with more precision of step and soldierly bearing 
than on this trip to the depot. 

The train provided for us was comfortable and we had a 
pleasurable journey to Pittsburgh, where a change of cars 
was necessitated. The only train that we could get at the 
time was made up from the debris of the rolling-stock of the 
road and consisted of old, worn-out cattle and stock cars 
with rough pine boards for seats arranged around the sides, 
for the men, and a second-hand coach for the officers. The 
majority of the officers were justly indignant at such treat- 
ment, when their transportation called for first-class, and 
they came in a body to Dr. Clark, to have a protest made, 



170 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

based on sanitary reasons. He Avent to the Colonel, who 
was busy talking with the Superintendent of the road, and 
opened his battery of wrath (backed by all the mutineers), 
saying that a protest had been made by all the commis- 
sioned officers against submitting to such indignity for 
themselves or men, adding that he, in his capacity of surgeon, 
charged with the sanitary condition of the enlisted men, most 
strenuously objected to the train, which was fit only for the 
transportation of cattle and hogs. "Go 'way," says the 
Colonel, "and mind your business!" This settled it. There 
was no farther use in trying to get a change of cars, and the 
Doctor left the Colonel's presence, merely remarking that 
if he persisted in accepting that train he might ride 
alone. Before the train started some of the officers relented 
and jumped aboard, leaving some nine or more behind to 
await the express train. After loitering around the city 
until fairly tired, and with the conviction that we had been 
guilty of a great breach of discipline as well as being very 
silly, we made steps for the depot at midnight and took the 
express. We overtook our train on the other side of the 
mountain, at Altoona, where the regiment had stopped for 
breakfast, and rejoined them with very guilty feelings as 
well as looks. After breakfast we got aboard the proper 
train, and were soon en roiiic for Chambersburg. 

After a little the Colonel sent his orderly around with 
invitations for such and such an one to report, and on report- 
ing, they were invariably placed under arrest to await a 
future disposition. At last the Colonel sent his orderly with 
his compliments, and would be glad to see Dr. Clark at his 
headquarters on board train. The Doctor mustered his courage 
and dignity, and amid the smiles of his confreres in the same 
fix went up the aisle to the front of the car and took a 
seat beside his superior officer — the Colonel, who said, "Why 
did you, sir, disobey my orders when told to get aboard the 
train?" 



DISCIPLINE IN THE ARMY. 171 

"Well, sir," replied the Doctor, "why did yon pay no 
attention to the protest, which was made in the interests of 
your command ? I am intrusted with their health and felt 
in duty bound to remonstrate against their being huddled 
together like so many dumb brutes, and still maintain my 
position in the matter." 

"Well, sir," said Osborn, "you have disobeyed my 
orders, and I shall write to the Surgeon-General concerning 
your conduct." 

" All right, sir," replied the Doctor, who said he also 
would write, detailing particularly all the circumstances. 

As was expected, before reaching Washington all the 
disobedient officers had been released from arrest and every- 
thing was again pleasant and serene, although it would have 
served us right to have been more severely punished for this 
mutinous conduct. The discipline in a majority of the 
volunteer regiments for infractions of this character was 
more apparent than real. It was impossible for a superior 
officer of the same command to enforce the rigid discipline 
of the regular army and tyrannize over men who, at home, 
were fully his equals, if not more, in all relations of a social 
or pecuniary character, and as the war would not last for- 
ever there might come a reckoning for past grievances in 
the shape of insults and punishments given and taken while 
dressed in a " little brief authority " and protected for the 
time by military law. This, however, would be no excuse 
where the good of the service would be compromised, and 
in all well-disciplined regiments the disobedience of a 
subaltern of whatever grade, or the refusal to do duty while 
in the face and front of the enemy, was most rigidly 
punished. 

We have heard men speak most scandalously of their 
officers, using all the opprobrious epithets they could call to 
mind when being punished for some infraction of duty, and 
many examples might be given, but as this was seldom the 



172 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

case in the Thirty-Ninth their mention is not relevant to 
this history. 

We reached Baltimore after a safe and speedy passage, 
on the morning of March 3d, and were obliged to remain 
several hours to await means of transportation to Washington. 
Our destination was reached in the afternoon and we were 
provided with temporary quarters in the barracks adjoining 
the " Soldiers' Rest," where we passed the night in compar- 
ative comfort. 

The following day, March 4th, 1864, we had orders to 
cross the Potomac into Virginia, and were soon on the tramp 
again, passing down Pennsylvania avenue to the long bridge 
which was crossed, and a march of several miles brought us 
into camp at Arlington Heights on a side hill at the foot 
of Fort Barnard, which was garrisoned by two companies of 
the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery under the command 
of Major George B. Cook, a very pleasant and gentlemanly 
officer, who did all that was possible to make our camp 
agreeable, giving us lumber for flooring, bunks, desks, etc., 
from the unoccupied barracks above at the fort. 

The weather during our stay was most disagreeable, 
raining almost every day, and being located on the hillside 
great care was necessary in ditching to conduct the water to 
the little creek below in order to prevent the flooding of the 
tents at ■ the foot of the hill where the hospital and head- 
quarters were located. The soil was a mixture of clay and 
sand, and it was seldom that we could step outside without 
sinking to our ankles in the mud, which adhered most 
tenaciously to our boots. Soon after reaching this place 
Colonel Osborn was stricken down with double pneumonia 
and was a very sick man for some days, and had not Major 
Cook of the Artillery given up his comfortable bed and 
quarters for the use of the Colonel, which he most gener- 
ously did on learning of his illness, the Colonel would never 
have helped to place the finishing touch on the rebellion at 



LONG BRIDGE— EXAMINING A PASS. 



173 



"i/.A 







174 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Appomattox. A large numl3er of men were taken sick at 
this camp with pneumonia, typhoid and remittent fevers, 
and some six of them died. The Augur general hospital at 
Camp Distribution was near by, and the most serious cases 
were sent there to be treated. 

There were in the regiment quite a number of both 
officers and men who belonged to the Masonic fraternity, 
and the idea was conceived of opening a lodge in one of the 
maiiy unused buildings at Fort Barnard. After a dispensa- 
tion had been received from the Grand Lodge of the State 
of Illinois a lodge was opened and soon in working order, 
several of us being initiated into the mysteries of this 
ancient body. 

After leaving this camp our lodge was broken up, for 
active operations in the field commenced, and during the 
succeeding months at the front the majority of the officers 
of our lodge were either killed or wounded — Captain 
Chauncey Williams, Company H, our Worthy Master, being 
killed in action August 16th, 1864; and two other officers 
of the lodge, Captain Leroy A. Baker, Company A, and 
Lieutenant Norman C. Warner, Company E, were each so 
seriously wounded at the same time that amj^utation of their 
legs became necessary, and they were discharged. 

Tents were struck, extra baggage turned over to the 
acting quartermaster. Lieutenant N. C. Warner, and we 
were in readiness to leave camp on the morning of April 
25tli. At ten a.m. the march to Alexandria was commenced; 
there we took transports and proceeded to Gloucester Point 
on the York river where we were assigned to the First 
Brigade, First Division of the Tenth Army Corps, tempo- 
rarily commanded by Brigadier-General Eobert S. Foster, 
or "Sandy" Foster, as we termed him, while the corps was 
temporarily under the care of General Alfred H. Terry. We 
remained at this point for several days, reorganizing the 
regiments, brigades and divisions of the corps, turning over 



BUTLER'S EXPEDITION UP THE JAMES. ]75 

all surplus equipage and baggage, even to our extra 
clothing, which was boxed up and either stored away or 
sent home — thus reducino- the command to a fiofhtinsr 
condition. 

Everything at last was ready, and on the morning of 
May 4tli we embarked on the transports to accompany 
General Butler's expedition up the James river to City Point. 
In the meantime the medical depai'tment had been entirely 
revised. The Ambulance corps was thoroughly organized 
under the command of a lieutenant, an Antenneith dispensing 
wagon attached to each division, details made for the carry- 
ing of hospital knapsacks and stretchers or litters, with two 
wagons to convey the medical supplies for each brigade. 
Details were also made of medical officers, hospital stewards, 
and men for the flying hospital, so that when we took the 
field everything would be arranged and everybody know 
their duty in the active campaign before us. Surgeon Clark 
was temporarily detached as chief medical officer of the 
division and ordered to report to General R. S. Foster, 
which he did on the evening of May 3d, Dr. Kurtz of the 
Eighty-Fifth Peijnsylvania supplying his place as brigade 
surgeon. 

There was some delay in getting the ambulances and 
other transportation connected with the division aboard, but at 
last everything was ready by ten p.m. May 4th. During the 
afternoon of this day the steamship "Arago" came in bear- 
ing General Gilmore and staff, who was to assume command 
of the troops at this point. After all was aboard, we moved 
out into the stream and anchored for the night. We spent 
some hours on the deck of our steamer in company with 
General Foster and staff", during the evening, enjoying the 
scene presented by this vast fleet of vessels at anchor in the 
river. It seemed like a fairy scene — the brilliant lights of 
varied colors swinging from the masts; bands of music here 
and there discoursing lively tunes, and the glorious Stars 



176 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

and Stripes above all, floating and flaunting in a delicious 
breeze. 

At daylight, May 5th, the whole fleet got under way 
and went gallantly down the York river to Chesapeake bay, 
reaching Fort Monroe at nine o'clock a.m. We halted just 
long enough to get instructions that ordered us to proceed 
up the James river. The day was lovely, and we enjoyed 
the scenery along the river, which was beautiful; often 
recalling to mind, as we journeyed along, the many remin- 
iscences attaching to General McClellau's campaign on the 
Peninsula, especially Harrison's Landing, Avhere we could 
point out the location of our camp in 18G2, and the view 
called up many pleasing as well as sorrowful recollections. 

We reached City Point about four p.m. where there 
were the ruins of some recently burned buildings and where 
the advance of our fleet had a skirmish with a small body of 
the enemy. Our division did not stop, but proceeded on to 
Bermuda Hundred — so called from the fact that a settlement 
was made there by one hundred persons from the island of 
Bermuda many years ago. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



In the Army of the James — Move Towards Drury's Bluff — Intrenching — 
Skirmish at Chester Heights^Driving the Rebels Back on Fort 
Darling — Colonel Osborn Wounded — Digging Rifie-Pits — Jenkins 
Wounded — The Surgeons in a Fix — A Gentlemanly Aid-de-Camp — 
Butler Anticipated — Plimpton's Account of the Battle of Drury's 
Bluff -Casualties — Major Linton Points out a few Errors — Loss to 
Butler's Army — A Remarkable Battle — Adjutant Walker and Captain 
Wightman — Kendall Says He's Dead — Other Incidents — The Honor 
of the State of Illinois Must be Maintained — ^Experience of Lace and 
Crozier — Get Back to the Old Camp — The Wounded. 



TTTE were now in the '' Army of the James," consisting of 
two Army Corps — the Tenth and Eighteenth, under 
the command of General Benjamin F. Butler. General 
Grant, now Lieutenant-General, had taken the supreme com- 
mand of all the Union forces, and witli the Army of the Poto- 
mac Avas preparing to move against General Lee by way of 
the Wilderness, and the Army of the James had been organ-' 
ized for the purpose of moving on Petersburg and Eichmond 
while the attention of the Confederate army was being 
diverted by Grant; and it is now known that if a rapid 
advance had been made by Butler's army after landing at 
Bermuda Hundred, the capital of the Confederate govern- 
ment would have easily fallen into our hands. 

We landed at Bermuda Hundi-ed and bivouacked for 
the night in an open field. We were now within fifteen 
miles of Richmond, and only seven from Petersburg. At 
break of day we took up the line of march in the direction 
of Drury's Bluff. Our progress was very slow, owing to fre- 
quent halts made necessary to await the action of the skir- 
mishers. We were almost a full day in making a distance 

12 177 



178 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

of six miles, and finally bivouacked on tlie night of May Gtli, 
and the following morning made encampment. The men 
were soon put to work throwing up intrenchments, spades 
having once more turned up as the trump card in the game. 
The policy of our commander seemed to be to act on the 
defensive and to prevent reinforcements being sent to Lee by 
tearing up the Richmond and Petersburg railroad, which ran 
some three miles in front of our position. 

The Second Division of the Tenth Corps, in command 
of General Turner, was ordered out for this purpose on the 
7th, and a brisk skirmish with the enemy took place near 
Chester Heights. Our force succeeded in reaching the rail- 
road and destroyed it for some distance, but gained no other 
advantage after losing some two hundred and fifty men. 
General Beauregard, who commanded the Confederate forces 
in our front, had succeeded in reinforcing Petersburg the 
previous night; otherwise the results would have been 
different. 

The 12th of May General Butler sent out a still heavier 
force under Generals Gilmore and "Baldy" Smith, which 
forced the rebels back on Fort Darling, where they were in- 
trenched. At two o'clock on the morning of May 14tli the 
Thirty-Ninth were ordered to advance, being called upon to 
guard an ammunition train to the front. We reached the 
front at two o'clock p.m. and at five o'clock received orders to 
advance to the extreme left of General Gilmore' s line to sup- 
port a battery of artillery quite near the railroad. While 
advancing, the rebels opened up a lively firing with grape 
and canister, and the men were ordered to lie down. 
Colonel Osborn, however, still remained upon his horse, 
"Old Mack," and here it was that he received a wound in the 
right elbow-joint, the first and last hit of the war, and which 
confined him to hospital for some months, and to-day he 
carries a stiff arm with the "souvenir" the rebels gave him 
somewhere embedded in the joint. Colonel Osborn re- 



COL. OSBORN GOES TO THE HOSPITAL. 179 

maiiied on the field until his regiment occupied the desired 
position, and then reported at the field hospital, only because 
forced to do so from pain and loss of blood. Patient search 
was made for the ball which had lodged in the joint, but it 
could not be found ; and after giving the limb a dressing the 
Colonel was directed to go back to our camp within the in- 
trenchments. The following morninof, without waitinof for 
another examination which was promised, he mounted his 
horse and rode to Bermuda Hundred landing, where he took 
the hospital boat and was conveyed to Chesapeake hospital 
at Fort Monroe. Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, who had been 
on the sick list for several days, accompanied him for the 
purpose of giving him assistance and for instructions before 
going to the front to take command. The Colonel, however, 
strongly advised him to stay back, for said he "The rebels 
are going to give us h-e-1-1 ! The regiment is fully ofticered. 
Major Linton will handle it well; and bear in mind you will 
soon have a chance to command it in battle." 

Notwithstanding this advice, which was emphasized most 
strongly by the Colonel's painful wound, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Mann, after seeing Osborn safely to the boat, returned and 
made his way to the front, reaching there as the regiment, or 
what was left of it, was falling back, bravely fighting for 
each foot of ground almost single-handed — their support on 
either flank having retreated almost an hour before. 

On his way back the Lieutenant-Colonel saw sutler 
Brown, who had become demoralized and shut up shop, and 
was doubtless on his way to the boat. Brown was reclining 
at the foot of a tree with his carpet-sack under his head, and 
was fast asleep. 

Colonel Mann, familiar with Brown's habits and con- 
cluding that he must have a large sum of money with him, 
and thinking to giv& him a good wholesome scare as well as 
lesson, removed the grip-sack from under his head and 
placed it behind an adjoining tree. Then remounting his 



180 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

horse he awoke the sutler from his slumbers. Brown's first 
concern on awaking was his satchel, and finding it gone, 
he instantly exclaimed in his quick, incisive manner, 
"Where's my satchel! Where's fhat satchel!! My God! 
thirty thousand dollars in that satchel! and I'm ruined, Sir, 
ruined! " and he bustled about like a crazy man. In a few 
moments the Lieutenant-Colonel, thinking that a sufficient 
lesson on his folly had been given the now thoroughly 
frightened man, pointed out the resting place of the wealth, 
and with one bound the sutler cleared the space that sepa- 
rated him from his god — Money, and took up his march to 
the landing, a wiser man. Begging pardon for this di- 
gression, we now resume the thread of our narrative. 

The regiment lay in support of the battery in command 
of Major S. S. Linton during the night, and on the morning 
of the 15th, having been provided with spades, dug a trench, 
throwing up rifle-pits the whole length of their line, for they 
were exposed to a more or less constant fu'e from the enemy. 
Dviring the whole of the 15th an intermittent firing was kej^t 
up from sharpshooters on both sides, and no sooner would a 
man expose himself, than he was sure of becoming a target. 
William H. Jenkins, of Company C, in his enthusiasm, and 
withal curious to see what was going on, received the 
compliments of some watchful " Johnny " in the shape of a 
bullet in his neck which made a clean passage through his 
"meat pipe;" and before falling, another ball grazed his 
shoulder. Jenkins received four different wounds while in 
the service, the last one of which (October 13, 1864) 
resulted, after two years of painful suffering, in amputation 
of the thigh, which was done at the "Soldiers' Home" in 
Chicago, after vain endeavors to save the limb. 

During the afternoon of the 15th Surgeons Clark and 
Kittenger had orders to advance with a section of the field 
hospital nearer the front and prepare for the reception of the 
wounded from the general assault that had been ordered for 



THE SUBGEONS' EYE-OPENER. 



181 



the next day. Their tables and shelters were advanced 
nearly half a mile, having selected a grove near General 
Butler's headquarters. 

At night the surgeons and assistants occupied the 
second story of one of the brick out-buildings for a dormi- 
tory, and retired early in order to be refreshed for the work 
of the morrow. All was peaceful until three o'clock a.m. 
when a " Whitworth bolt" from the enemy came crashing 
through the building just over their heads, scattering bricks 




Line of Defense — Bermuda Hundred. 

and debris in all directions. This was the first gun— the 
prelude to the opening of the battle of Drury's Bluff, May 
16th, and proved a decided "eye-opener" for the doctors, 
who scampered out into a dense, foggy atmosphere that 
completely veiled everything. 

Beauregard had anticipated Butler, and under cover of 
the fog and darkness made a furious assault on the right 
of our lines, which unfortunately was a weak point and 
poorly prepared to receive the shock. The rebel column 



182 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

came on with terrible yells and forced their way through our 
lines, becoming badly mixed up with our men. Beauregard 
had evidently discovered the weak point in Butler's right 
wing the evening before — the extreme right for the distance 
of a mile to the river being thinly picketed by a single 
negro regiment. Beauregard's attack had been successful, 
the dense fog contributing largely to his efforts. But he 
was in no condition to follow our forces in their retreat, and 
by ten o'clock a. m. the fighting for the day was over. 

It is probably a fact that for a distance of one-half 
mile beginning at the river there were absolutely no pickets 
whatever, hence the Confederates were massed on the flank 
and in the rear of General Hickman's brigade, and easily 
captured a large portion of it. 

The surgeons still remained in the grove, where bullets 
began to spatter against the trees thick and fast. They did 
not know which way to turn, and could see nothing, but 
could distinctly hear the roar of the combat. While debat- 
ing on what course to pursue an "Aid" of General Butler's 
came hurriedly by, and seeing them, halted and said, "You 
d — n fools! if you don't want to be captured by the enemy, 
you had better make tracks from here, and lively too! 
They're closing fast upon us!" The surgeons did not stop 
to resent this unmannerly address, for the (jenilemanhj Aid 
and they retreated to the rear, after securing their instru- 
ments and horses, and were soon back to their old place of 
the preceding day, feeling badly demoralized. 

Affairs remained comparatively quiet until eight o'clock 
A.M., when Beauregard advanced on Gilmore's troops occupy- 
ing the position behind their breastworks at Drury's Bluff. 
Massing his column, he made three successive and desperate 
charges upon our line and each time the enemy was driven 
back. The position occupied by the Thirty-Ninth was along 
an extended line of ridge running through an open field 
from the Richmond and Petersburg railroad to a piece of 



THE BATTLE OF DRURY'S BLUFF. 183 

timber on the left. In front was a plat of low, open 
ground. The line of onr troops across the railroad was 
through the timber and extending somewhat in advance 
of it. The left of the regiment was entirely unsupported 
even by a cavalry squad. In order to present a detailed 
account of the part the Thirty-Ninth took in this battle, the 
narrative of one who participated in it is here inserted. 

CAPTAIN HOMER A. PLIMPTON'S NARRATIVE OF THE BATTLE 
OF DRURY'S BLUFF, MAY 16th, 1864. 

The Thirty-Ninth was called out early on the morning of the 14th 
inst. and ordered to guard an ammunition train to the left of the line of 
advance. At four a.m. it left camp and marched two miles to the Rich- 
mond and Petersburg pike, thence to the railroad a mile farther at Chester 
Station, where it halted some two hours waiting the arrival of several coal 
cars that had been discovered up the track. At last it started up the 
railroad towards our line of battle, which was over two miles in the 
advance, but it only advanced a short distance when the looked-for cars 
arrived, and Companies G and I were detached from the regiment to push 
the cars to the front for the wounded who had been gathered up and laid 
by the roadside; the main portion of the regiment remained near Chester 
Station to guard the ammunition train. The hotel there was transformed 
by our surgeons into a hospital for the wounded. As fast as the coal cars 
would be loaded with the wounded a dozen men or more would push them 
up to Chester Station and unload, and return to the front for more. Such- 
were the duties of Companies G and I. They had succeeded in removing 
all of the wounded up to one o'clock p.m. when they received orders from 
General Gilmore to report to him at the front immediately. The balance 
of the regiment was brought forward and moved to the left of the line, 
where in a short time it was assigned to the duty of supporting a por- 
tion of the First New Jersey Battery. There was some delay in posting 
the battery, owing to the incessant and heavy firing of the enemy's skir- 
mishers and sharpshooters, during which time our regiment had quite 
a number wounded. The battery having got into position on a rise of 
ground just to the left of the railroad and in good view and easy range of 
the rebel fortifications, opened with decided effect. 

Then began a hot contest between the rebel forts and our batteries 
along the whole line, which continued until darkness set in. During the 
heat of the engagement the Thirty-Ninth moved from the timber in rear of 
the battery, every man lying flat on the ground for protection as he got 
his place in line. All of this occurred on the 14th. In passing from the 
timber and over the open field for a distance of fifteen rods the crashing 



184 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

of shells and whiz of balls was terrific, and quite a number of the regiment 
were wounded. Colonel Osborn, who was on horseback, was struck in the 
right elbow by a shrapnel shot, fracturing the bone at the point of the 
elbow. He continued on duty until dark, when the command of the regi- 
ment was turned over to Major S. S. Linton, the Lieutenant-Colonel, 0. L. 
Mann, being in camp sick. The New Jersey battery plied their gnus well 
and bravely, but lost heavily in men and horses. At dark the battery 
went to the rear and the Thirty-Ninth moved to the right, and the right of 
the first company (I) rested on the railroad; the Fifty-Fifth Pennsylvania, 
being the next in line on the right, rested its left on the railroad opposite 
our right. 

At daylight on the 15th the regiment retired from the top of the 
ridge where it had remained during the night and formed a line parallel 
with its first one, about five rods to the rear, again lying flat on the ground 
to avoid the rebel missiles. Companies I and G, being on the right and 
most exposed, threw up a slight ridge of earthworks in front of them, sufii- 
cient to protect the front rank; the other companies did the same, so that 
by evening the little ridge extended along the front to the extreme left of 
our line of battle, there being two other regiments on the left of the 
Thirty-Ninth. 

The day was very quiet until late in the afternoon, when the enemy 
opened upon us with artillery, doing some mischief. Two men of Com- 
pany E were killed — Silas Benton and Elisha Karr, and two severely 
wounded, by one shell. 

The ground between the Thirty-Ninth Illinois and the rebel rifle pits, 
about six hundred yards off, was descending, with now and then a shrub to 
obstruct the vision. On the right was the railroad, along which ran a rail 
fence, almost obscured by tall grass and shrubs, extending to the rebel 
rifle-pits; and on the left was a board fence reaching the rebel rifle-pits on 
the left just at the edge of a small grove of about three acres in area. 
Beyond the rifle-pits of the enemy the ground was ascending to their line 
of forts about four hundred yards farther back, bringing them on a level 
with us. 

The night of the 15th was spent by the regiment in strengthening 
the works in our front in order that the two ranks might be secure from 
rebel shell and shot. 

The 16th dawned and the fog was so dense until seven o'clock that it 
was impossible to discover a man six rods off. About four o'clock in the 
morning the rebels opened on the right, where the Eighteenth Army Corps 
was stationed, and the firing continued to increase towards the left until 
seven o'clock, when the regiments on the left of the Thirty-Ninth were 
ordered to another point, the supposition with us being that a charge was 
about to be made on a rebel fort just to our right. The Thirty-Ninth then 
formed in single rank and occupied their own and the most of the left 
trenches, and prepared to do its part should the rebels make a demonstra- 



CAPT. PLIMPTON'S VERSION. 185 

tion in that direction. As the fog arose we gazed toward the rebel lines to 
observe their maneuvering, and as a sudden fierce and loud renewal of the 
strife to our right began we saw slowly wending their way from their pits 
near the railroad and endeavoring to advance by the flank up the track, 
two columns of the enemy with flags spread to the breeze, evidently deter- 
mined on attacking us. Another column was also approaching the left of 
our regiment along the fence. All nerved themselves for the contest, 
believing that much depended upon their holding the position they had 
been placed in, and knowing that if the enemy attacked them in front 
they were equal to twice or thrice their own number. But on the columns 
came, steady and apparently confident; the combat on our right which 
had raged with great fierceness had become reduced to desultory firing; 
the men we had out as skirmishers along the fence by the railroad were 
driven back hurriedly to our breastworks, when we opened on the enemy 
from the entire line. They returned the fire, and the fighting commenced 
with energy and determination. 

In the meantime all of the other troops had retired, and an order had 
been received by our Major* for the Thirty-Ninth to retreat; but before 
he could communicate the order he was severely wounded through the left 
side, and the regiment remained in ignorance of the condition of all 
around it, but resolved to hold its own or be driven to some desperate 
strait. But the column on the railroad was protected from our fire by the 
high bank on either side, and therefore advanced rapidly and securely; as 
it got even with our flank resting on the railroad a severe fire was suddenly 
opened lengthwise with the trench which made the position of the regi- 
ment untenable, and hence the men " took for the woods " the shortest 
way under a raking fire of musketry from front and flank. On getting a 
short distance into the timber, and being under the imjiression that the, 
balance of the line was perfect, and that by our leaving the position we 
held the whole line might be flanked, the order was given to " charge on 
the trenches," thus hoping to regain our works. That order was repeated 
immediately by a dozen voices, and a simultaneous charge, though every 
one for himself, was made by Companies I, G, and C. The rebels were 
driven from our line, and by rushing up to the railroad and concentrating 
our fire on the column passing along it our forces cut it in two, driving 
half of it back to their works whilst the portion in advance continued on 
its way within otir lines, as we thought. 

The left of our regiment having by that time learned that a retreat 
had been ordered, did not come back to the trenches; so the three com- 
panies before mentioned were left to triumph in a victory which proved to 
be of short duration. The column which we had sundered had "about- 
faced," and was coming back slowly and steadily on the railroad track, of 
which fact we were si^eedily apprised and also assured that we were 

* See Major Linton's letter, p. 186. 



186 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

surrounded — that our whole line had fallen back. Captain Rudd went to 
the bank above the railroad at the edge of the timber and ordered the 
rebels to surrender; they lowered the muzzles of their pieces but advanced 
slowly, their eyes fixed upon the Captain and the small squad about him as 
if in doubt what to do. Our men were cautioned not to shoot, a dozen 
singing out the word at a time. Still the "rebs" came on, when a shot heed- 
lessly or inadvertently fired by one of the men brought a volley from the 
rebel column which set all parley aside. The Captain and his squad 
turned just in time to escape the rebel bullets. A brisk skirmish then 
ensued, but the fight was unequal, for the enemy had closed upon us from 
front and left and the column on the track began to spring into the woods 
to our rear to prevent our retreat, and we again had to cross the open 
space between our trench and the timber under a most galling fire. 
Every man for himself, firing as he could, struck for the timber, but many 
went but a short distance when they were cut down in their career by the 
bullets of the enemy and left on the field where they fell. 

The loss in the regiment was one hundred and nineteen enlisted men 
and eight ofiicers killed, wounded and missing. Adjutant J. D. Walker 
and Captain James Wightman, Company C, were mortally wounded. The 
entire force which so successfully on the 13th inst. retired within our line 
of fortifications returned to their camp on the evening of the 16th, badly 
crippled, and almost decimated in numbers. General Butler assured us, 
however, that the objects of the move were fully achieved and the whole 
affair was satisfactory. However that may be, it leaves the bitter cup of 
sorrow to be drained by many friends and relatives of those who have met 
a sad fate, meted out to them by the stern realities of battle. 

The account of Major (then Captain) Plimpton is, with 
a few exceptions, correct. The errors have been pointed out 
to the writer by a letter received from Major S. S. Linton 
and which in part is here presented. 

Minneapolis, Minn., December 28, 1887. 

Dr. C. M. Clark — Dear Comrade: * * * * * I find 

Plimpton's account of the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16th, 1864, 
to contain a few errors. For example, — we never received an order to fall 
back. The only order we ever received was to "fill the trenches and hold 
them;" and that order was received in the early morning. 

Again: — Captain Wightman, of Company C, and Adjutant Walker 
were both wounded and taken off the field before I was wounded. Also, 
Companies I, G, and C went to the rear on my order to re-form in the woods, 
my idea being to fall back as soon as my command was closed up in two 
ranks, as we were then in one very thin rank; but they evidently misunder- 
stood my order, as they went back in confusion. I ordered them to halt, in 



KENDALL SAYS, HE'S DEAD. 187 

a loud voice, and ran after them in the woods; but not seeing them I ran 
slowly towards the left of the regiment and came upon the rear of Com- 
pany D. which was the center company of the regiment, intending to order 
the left wing of the regiment to fall back, but as I crossed the open space 
I saw that the right wing had returned to the trenches and were in vigorous 
combat with the rebels. As I crossed the open space I was struck by a 
bullet. I saw at once that we must drive the enemy back before we could 
retreat in order, and I immediately turned to go to the right and assist in 
driving them back when I got my second and lung wound. I was aware 
that we were flanked on the right by the rebel line across the road, by see- 
ing the Pennsylvania regiment in retreat. The regiment fell back inside 
of twenty minutes after I was wounded. The men who undertook to carry 
me back were captured, and it was not over five or ten minutes time before 
I saw Captain Baker, Company A, with the left wing, and they carried me 
off the field. Yours, etc, S. S. Linton. 

The battle of Drury's Bluff was in fact the first real 
battle that the Thirty-Ninth was engaged in, and it lost in 
killed, wounded and missing one hundred and nineteen offi- 
cers and enlisted men; and the loss to Butler's army num- 
bered fully three thousand. It lasted fully thirteen hours, 
and was most hotly contested, and in many respects it was a 
remarkable battle, considering the early morning hour in 
which it begfan, the dense fog: that obscured the combatants 
up to seven o'clock, and the surprise and the great superior- 
ity in the numbers of the assailants. There were many, 
hand-to-hand encounters and bayonet charges, and many acts 
of heroism that will never be recounted. The Thirty-Ninth 
was at one time nearly surrounded by reason of the retreat 
of the Seventy-Sixth Pennsylvania on the right of the line, 
but they heroically cut their way out, bringing with them a 
large number of prisoners. The rebel loss greatly exceeded 
ours and it was a great disappointment to the rebel leader 
that he did not crush and destroy Butler's army. The 
deportment of the regiment in this battle was such that it 
received the personal thanks of the General commanding for 
their display of heroism and endurance. There were many 
incidents connected with this fight, some painful, but several 
ratlier pleasing in character. Adjutant Joseph D. Walker 



188 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

was mortally wounded, and also Captain James Wightman 
of Company C, at the time that the assault o£ the second line 
of rebels had been gallantly repulsed. These officers were 
so elated with the success of our "boys" that they sprang 
upon the embankment of earth in front of the pits waving 
their swords, and calling for cheers, when they were shot 
down by a volley from rebels on the flank. 

Captain N, B. Kendall of Company G (then Corporal) 
was wounded by a rifle bullet which struck him on the head, 
causing a severe scalp wound and a great confusion of ideas. 
McKee of that company says that he passed him just after 
he was hit, and Kendall M^as crying out "O! I'm dead! I'm 
dead! " and the presumption is, that anybody under the same 
circumstances would have been somewhat "mixed up" as 
regarded their condition. 

After the rebels had succeeded in flanking the position, 
the right wing fell back, and after gettiug back some twenty 
rods, near the timber, an order came to " Rally on the rifle- 
pits!" This order was supposed to have been given by 
Major Linton, but it proved to be from a rebel officer on the 
flank. Captain Leroy A. Baker, Company A, was with the 
colors at this time, and the boys at this command followed 
him back with cheers, and on arriving at the pits found the 
third line of the enemy within short range, and advancing 
with the confidence of securing an easy victory ; but our men, 
flushed with the pride of two successive victories over the 
assaulting rebels, and feeling that the honor of the State of 
Illinois must be maintained by its sole representative in the 
Army of the James, delivered a steady, Avell-direeted and 
deadly volley which (juickly upset all their calculations, and 
in a few moments they were in retreat; then turning their 
attention to the flanking column they succeeded in cutting 
their way through them, and returned to the intrenchments 
at Bermuda Hundred. 

At the time the enemy were flanking the line of the 



EXPERIENCE OF LACE AND CROZIER. 



189 



Thirty-Ninth, Assistant-Surgeon James Crozier, who had 
accompanied the regiment to their position, and Philip M. 
Lace, the leader of the band, and who had supervision of 
the stretcher bearers, thought it about time that they sliould 
be retiring from tJie front, and the following is the version 
of that attempt as given to the writer by Lace, afterwards: 
"You see. Doc, we were laying back some two hundred 
and fifty yards from the rifle-pits, watching and waiting for 
something to 'turn up.' The 'boys' were all doing their 




The Hospital, Steamek. 



' level best ' and giving the Johnnies particular h — 11 every 
time they came up. Soon we saw the regiment on the right 
of the Thirty-Ninth give way — couldn't stand the pressure, 
you know; and a body of rebels came swooping around on 
the flank of 'our boys' and they delivered a lively fire that 
swept the trenches. Some stray shots came in our direction, 
and we could see the 'rebs' just more than jum})ing up 
around us. Then, Doc, Crozier just went off on a tangent! 
with coat-tails flying ! and I after him ; and when the IniUets 



190 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

came singing and whizzing by, we would just drop down 
and go it on all-fours; then when there would come a little 
lull and quiet, we would up again, and those long legs of 
Crozier's would just go flying like a jackass rabbit's. I 
wish you could have seen us about the time of our liveliest 
gait! nothing more than shadows, and then half the time 
invisible by reason of ducking and stumbling. We finally 
reached a safe position back among our troops, and after so 
long a chase thought we'd take a little ' nip ' of ' Frumenti ; ' 
but there was ' nary drop ' in the canteen, for a bullet had 
pierced it and let the whisky all out." 

We reached our old camp back of the intrenchments 
late in the afternoon, where Walker and Wightman had 
been taken, together with some other wounded men of the 
regiment. Wightman was found to be insensible and dying. 
Adjutant Walker was suffering greatly with a wound in the 
abdomen, the ball having penetrated the bowels. He was 
quite anxious about his condition, and wished to be told if 
he could live. When told that it was impossible, he merely 
said, "It is well!" which were the last words he spoke 
to Doctor Clark. He died two hours subsequently. Lieu- 
tenant Kingsbury's wound in the arm was of such a nature 
as to require amputation. Major Linton's wound through 
the lung was at first considered mortal, but happily he made 
a good recovery in general hospital. Our wounded were sent 
as soon as possible to Bermuda Hundred and there placed 
on transports and taken to Fort Monroe. 



CHAPTEE Xiy. 



Butler's Force — Grant Calls for the Eighteenth and Part of the Tenth 
Corps— Butler "Bottled Up" — All Quiet— Recapture of Rifle-Pits, 
May 20th, or Battle of Wier Bottoms Church— Short but Brilliant 
— Colonel Howell's Official Report of it — Lieutenant-Colonel Mann 
Wounded — Loss to the Regiment and Brigade — General Mann's 
Account of it — Howell Shows How to Draw the Enemy's Fire— Dog 
Tents — The Camp — Battery No. 6— Lieutenant Burrill and Amos 
Reese Wounded — Jacob Franks Drowned — Comparative Quiet — The 
Second of June — The "Rebs" Get a Roasting — Lieutenant Fellows 
Killed — Lieutenant Sweetser Wounded — A Rebel Colonel in Our 
Hands — General Alfred H. Terry. 



p ENSEAL BUTLEE'S force numbered some twenty-six 
thousand men when it was again behind the intrench- 
ments, and it was said that he proposed to cross the Appo- 
mattox river and advance on Petersburg ; but before his plans 
could be put into execution General Grant ordered the. 
Eighteenth Army Corps and a portion of the Tenth Army 
Corps to reinforce the Army of the Potomac at Cold Harbor. 
This was a disappointing blow to Butler at this time, depriv- 
ing him of the means of making any move whatever, — 
"bottling him up," as he expressed it in a letter to General 
Grant. General Butler was an ambitious man as well as an 
able one, and he may have been a great military genius, but 
the results of the battle of May 16th did not prove it, and 
failed to satisfy General Grant. 

The regiment was permitted to remain quiet in camp, 
taking a rest that was so much needed, until the afternoon 
of the 20th, when they were ordered out for the purpose of 
cooperating with the balance of the brigade in the recapture 

191 



192 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

of a line of rifle-pits which the enemy had wrested from our 
troops a few hours previously. The preceding attack had 
been made during the night by the rebels and was chiefly 
directed against the line held by the brigade under command 
of General Ames. For the space of half an hour the can- 
nonading was terrific, and the volleys of musketry were 
incessant. Twice the enemy attempted to break through the 
lines and came forward with a rush — screaming and howling 
like a pack of hungry wolves, but each time they were hurled 
back with fearful slaughter and only succeeded in occupying 
the first line of rifle-pits, which our brigade was ordered to 
recapture. The brigade was under the temporary command 
of Colonel Joshua B. Howell, and we cannot do better than 
give Colonel Howell's report of this engagement, which gives 
all the particulars of the fight with the exception that it fails 
to mention the fact that when the charge was made the Thir- 
ty-Ninth succeeded in occupying their part of the line, while 
the Sixty-Seventh Ohio, which charged with them, found 
their work too hot and fell back, which necessitated the fall- 
ing back of the Thirty-Ninth. 

Both regiments soon re-formed and again advanced, 
carrying everything before them until the line of pits was 
occupied — the " rebs " slinking back to the cover M the 
woods, leaving their dead and wounded behind them. 

COLONEL HOWELL'S OFFICIAL REPORT. 

Headouaktebs Fiest Bbigade, 
FiKST Division Tenth Abmy Coeps. 
May 21st, 1864. 
Captain Adrian Terry, Asst. Adft. General. 

Captain:- — I have the honor respectfully to report to you for the 
information of the Brigadier-General commanding the Division, the opera- 
tions and result of the fight of yesterday by the troops under my 
command. 

At two o'clock P.M. yesterday, I received the order from Brigadier- 
General Terry, commanding the Division, to take with me the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois and Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers, two regiments of my 
Brigade — the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers being already there at 



COLONEL HOWELUS OFFICIAL REPORT. 193 

the front and under fire — and the Sixth Connecticut Volunteers, and 
proceed to the front, assume command of all the troops already there, and 
retake the ground and position which had been lost in the morning, and 
recapture the rifle-pits, and re-establish the line and hold it. It was 
suggested to me by General Terry, that I should go out in advance of my 
brigade to the picket line and see the state of things existing, then the 
nature of the ground, etc, I went out at once, and the wisdom and 
propriety of the General's direction struck me as soon as I came on the 
ground. I found the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers in very 
imminent peril of being overwhelmed by the superior force of the enemy. 
It was boldly sustaining itself. The Lieutenant-Colonel (Campbell) com- 
manding that regiment has since told me that ten minutes later and my 
old regiment would have been crushed. 

The Sixth Connecticut Volunteers had been ordered out before I left 
the intrenchments — I passed them on my way out. That regiment came 
promptly and boldly up under its brave and gallant leader, Major Kline. 
I formed it in line of battle, threw it rapidly forward. It was succeeded 
by the Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers (noble and brave regiment — 
officers and men); they came up on the double-quick. I threw that 
regiment forward, also the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers; they came up 
bravely on the double-quick and were formed in the general line of battle 
on the run. These three regiments went forward with cheers, directing 
their fire rapidly, steadily and with low aim. I never saw troops behave 
better; the fire of the enemy was very rapid and very heavy, but my brave 
boys dashed forward gallantly. We drove the enemy, and soon made a 
connected line of battle with the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and with the One Hundred and Forty- 
Second New York Volunteers, Colonel Curtis commanding. 

I communicated the fact to General Terry by Captain Hooker, my 
acting Assistant- Adjutant-General, that my troops were all engaged. I 
received an order from General Terry directing me to swing my right 
towards the left and recapture the rifle-pits and hold them. That order 
was promptly obeyed and carried into successful execution. We drove the 
enemy like the wind, captured and re-occupied the rifle pits and held them 
firmly. Directly after taking the rifle-pits, Brigadier-General Walker of 
the rebel force dashed out on the road in front of the rifle-pits and was 
wounded and immediately captured by Company C of the Sixty-Seventh 
Ohio Volunteers and sent in as a prisoner. 

It was a brave and gallant fight by all the brave and gallant officers 
and men who constituted my command, and engaged in it. I never saw 
officers and men behave better. Their promptness, zeal, dashing and 
daring courage was beautiful — their fire steady and deadly to the enemy. 

I beg leave respectfully to recai^itulate the names of these regi- 
ments, for I love to repeat them and honor them. The Sixth ConnecticHt 
Volunteers, Major Kline commanding, temporarily assigned to me; the 
13 



194 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Eighty - Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant - Colonel Campbell 
commanding; Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Voris command- 
ing; Thirty -Ninth Illinois Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, com- 
manding. 

I regret to have it to say that the brave and valuable oflScer, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, was badly wounded in the leg in the action. It 
is an honorable mark of distinction, and was gallantly won by him. I am 
glad to say he is now doing very well. There were two brave officers of 
the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania wounded also. 

You can form an idea of the severity of the fire through which my 
command dashed and drove the enemy, when I say to you that in about 
thirty minutes I lost one hundred and forty-nine men, killed and wounded. 
The casualties of the fight have already been reported to you. They 
amount to some three hundred killed and wounded; none missing. The 
enemy's loss we now know to be eight hundred in killed and wounded. 

I beg leave to speak in the highest terms of praise of the valuable 
services rendered me by the officers of my staff in that action^ — Captain 
Hooker, my acting Assistant-Adjutant-General, Captain Dawson, Brigade 
Inspector, and Lieutenant McGregor my Aid-de-camp. Their prompt- 
ness, activity and efficiency are deserving of the highest praise. 

In this connection, Captain, I beg leave to refer to the valuable 
services of my Medical Director, Charles M. Clark, Surgeon of the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois Volunteers. His zeal, energy, courage and skill are deserv- 
ing of the highest praise. His thorough knowledge of his profession and 
his skill in the practice of it, secures to all the wounded the greatest care 
and attention and has saved many a limb from the amputating knife. 

I am grateful to know that my brave command and myself received 
the commendations of our gallant and distinguished leaders, Major- 
General Gilmore and Brigadier-General Terry. 

I have the honor to be, Captain, with great respect. 

Your Obed't Servant, 

Joshua B. Howell, 
Col. Comd^g 1st Brigade 1st Div. 10th Army Corjjs. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Mann was wounded in the early part 
of the engagement by a musket ball in the lower third of the 
left leg. The ball passed completely through the large bone 
(tibia) of the leg, lodging beneath the skin; and the curious 
circumstance in the case was, that the bone was not fractured 
— merely a hole punched through it. After his wound was 
-dressed he was sheltered for the night in a corn-crib near 
by, and the next morning was sent on a stretcher with a 



GEN. MANN'S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE. 195 

detail of six men to the hospital boat at the landing, and 
taken to Chesapeake hospital at Fort Monroe. 

The loss sustained by the regiment in this engagement 
amounted to seventy officers and men, killed and wounded; 
no missing; and the loss to the brigade was three hundred. 

The following is General Mann's account of this battle: 

After the repulse the Army of the James had met with on the 16th of 
May at Drury's Bluff, there had been more or less severe fighting almost 
daily, and on the morning of the 20th, at Wier Bottom church, the enemy 
seemed determined to crowd our forces as near to the James river as was 
possible. Soon after two o'clock p.m., a vigorous charge was made by a 
Confederate division, led by General Walker of South Carolina, on a brigade 
of General Terry's division, under command of Brigadier-General Ames. 
The enemy were driven back after a stubborn resistance and gained an 
eminence of advantage to them and soon began to throw up earthworks. 

An hour later General Terry rode to our camp, and calling together 
the brigade and regimental commanders, spread out a chart of the field to 
be re-taken, and said he " expected the First Brigade to do the work with 
neatness and dispatch." 

The brigade, under the command of the brave and venerable Colonel 
Howell, moved out with promptness to its bloody task. Less than two 
miles from camp they reached the contested ground and deployed into line 
to the left of the main road, cheered by the roar of artillery whose shot and 
shell soon began their'deadly work, and the hiss of smaller missiles whose 
mission was equally fatal. The Thirty-Ninth was on the extreme right, and • 
like the other regiments, was soon almost lost to view in the dense under- 
growth which all this time had veiled the enemy from us, although we were 
constantly receiving their metallic and murderous compliments. The 
Thirty-Ninth was making its way through the thick chapparal, firing, in 
the meantime, like the veterans they were, when an officer rode up to me 
and said: 

" For God's sake, cease firing! Yon are killing the men of a New York 
regiment in front of you. Cease! Cease!!" 

"Are you sure of that? " I inquired. 

"Certainly I am; the rebels have fallen back some time ago." 

I then gave the command to cease firing, ordered the acting adjutant 
to pass the word down the line, and requested my informant to order the 
New York regiment in our front to " cease firing " also. 

A few moments later Lieutenant-Colonel Cumminger of the Sixty- 
Seventh Ohio Volunteers, appeared on the right, mounted on his old iron- 
gray horse, and said to me, "Why are you not fighting?" The reason was 
given, when Lieutenant-Colonel Cumminger replied, " Not so, at all! 



196 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Nothing but rebels in our front. I have just seen them there, and rode here 
to ascertain why you were not firing." 

I was about to order the regiment up and forward, when I thought I 
would mount an old pine stump of great size near by and see what I could 
for myself. The large stump proved a mere shell from decay, and I had 
scarce mounted when it collapsed and incased me in the ruins. The few of 
the regiment who saw the ridiculous plight I was in, rushed to my assist- 
ance, thinking I had been wounded. I saw nothing, however, but some of 
the enemy's dead and wounded just in our advance, and was satisfied as to 
whom we were facing, and the boys were soon on their feet again and doing 
splendid execution, though fighting by faith rather than by sight. 

Well under way again, I found myself to the right and front of the 
regiment, urging them forward and hurriedly sighing for the brave fellows 
who were falling in the ranks, when I received a bullet in my left leg below 
the knee-joint which barred me from active field duty during the continu- 
ance of the war. We had been under fire for about twenty minutes — had 
crowded our way over a broad space of contested ground, but excepting 
the dead and wounded over whom we passed I did not see a Confederate 
soldier in that battle. 

Captain Baker of Company A now took command and most ably led 
the regiment out of the entangling bushes into a small open space. In the 
woods, at the further border of this clearing, the "Johnnies" were plainly 
visible, some throwing up earthworks and others hastening their retreat 
behind them. It was but the work of a few moments and the brigade was 
charging on the double-quick over the open space upon the rebels, who, 
surprised at the audacity of the assault, fled in confusion to the dense 
woods beyond. Our orders were to capture and hold the line of works, 
hence there was a halt here. Orders were issued to " change front to the 
rear " on the works the rebels had commenced. 

At this time, and before skirmishers had been sent into the woods, 
there appeared a Confederate mounted officer issuing from a thick growth 
of young pines. He saw that he was covered by a regiment of Union 
guns, and he subsequently told me at Chesapeake hospital, that his first 
impulse was to surrender, so complete was his surprise; then he thought 
that by means of a little strategy he might escape. He would personate a 
Union officer. So raising his hand he shouts: 

" Hold your position firmly, boys, and I will ride back for reinforce- 
ments and we will drive these rebels to h — ! " 

Here the fine charger he bestrode presented a broadside to a score 
of hungry muskets in the hands of men whose keen and experienced eyes 
had discerned the ruse, and the next moment the rider and horse lay bleed- 
ing at our feet. The horse was dead, the receptacle of ammunition enough 
to make a "brevet" arsenal. The gallant rider was General "Live Oaks" 
Walker of South Carolina, whose division had been making the day lively 
from the time of their arrival from Charleston early that morning. Our 



ANECDOTE OF COL. HOWELL. 197 

prisoner was wounded in the arm, in the right side, and in the left leg so 
severely that amputation was necessary, which was performed that night 
at the headquarters of the corps commander. General Q. A. Gilmore, with 
whom our distinguished prisoner had been a classmate at West Point. 

It was on this occasion that the great kindness of heart and the 
matchless courtesy of Colonel Howell were very pleasingly illustrated. 
The moment General Walker fell. Colonel Howell bounded over the earth- 
works and approaching him asked, with a preliminary salute, if he could 
assist him in any way. 

'• Certainly," said the prisoner. " Take me into your lines as soon as 
possible; my entire division will be here in a few moments and I shall be 
under a cross-fire if not removed." 

"Thank you. Sir!"' said Colonel Howell, this time lifting his hat — 
"thank you. Sir! order them on at once; I shall be very glad to meet your 
entire division." 

General Walker was taken to the rear, but his entire division failed to 
make their appearance. 

It may be interesting to comrades to know what Thomas P. Kettell, 
a historian of some note if not of accuracy, says of this engagement in his 
history of the " Great Rebellion " published in 1865. He says: 

" In an attempt to re-take the rifle-pits, the Ninety-Seventh Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers [it should be the Eighty-Fifth] and the Thirteenth 
Illinois [should read the Thirty-Ninth] regiment were ordered to move 
through the skirt of the woods to co-operate with a movement made by 
another portion of General Gilmore's forces. Misunderstanding the order, 
the troops were moved by the flank along the skirt of the woods. March- 
ing steadily forward they came unexpectedly upon a battery, which opened 
a murderous cross-fire, literally mowing them down. It appeared to the 
looker-on as though the entire force melted away before this terrific rain 
of grape-shot and canister. The loss is estimated at three hundred. The 
rebel General Walker was dangerously wounded, and captured." 

If this author had watched the course and conquests of these two 
regiments until they stood victors at Appomattox, he would have con- 
cluded that the "melting away" process had not been very effective. 
They fought in the same brigade on the 20th of May, 1864, and did not 
march under any cross-fire of the enemy. 

In connection witli tliis engagement we relate a little 
anecdote in wliicli the late Colonel Howell, who commanded 
the brigade at this time, was the hero. 

The day following the fight Colonel Howell, who was 
"officer of the day," made the "grand rounds," and at a 
particular point of the line our men were greatly annoyed by 
a sharpshooter, who would pick off, from his ambush, any 



198 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



man who dared to sliow his head. Various attempts had 
been made to finish the career of this rascal, who had suc- 
ceeded in wounding several, and at last the gallant old Colonel 
came to the rescue, and hit upon the following expedient, 
which was ingenious though dangerous. 

" Boys," said he, coolly, " you look out where the smoke 




The Field Hospital. 



comes from; for as soon as the traitor sees me he will let 
iiy ; " and getting deliberately up from the trenches Avhere 
he had been watching operations, the Colonel walked a few 
paces and calmly seated himself on a stump. Scarcely had 
he done so, when bang! went a rifle, and a minie ball flew 
past in too close proximity to be agreeable ; but ere the smoke 
had cleared away half a dozen bullets had sped on their way 



BATTERY NUMBER SIX. 199 

to the spot where the rebel lay, and in a few moments after, 
the body of a "Johnny," reeking with gore, was dragged 
from the spot Avith no less than three bullets through it. 

"There!'' said the Colonel, "did I not toll you that I 
could draw his fire ? '' 

Colonel HoAvell was brave, even to desperation. He 
would on (tU occasions expose himself at the front, and seem- 
ingly courted death at the hands of the enemy. But he bore 
a charmed life, and bullets were not yet made to kill him. It 
was ordained that he should meet death in a sadder and less 
heroic form, the circumstances of which will be detailed 
further on, when in this history we reach the place, and 
the time. 

The regiment was now lying close to a large intrench- 
ment under shelter tents, or as we termed them "button hole " 
tents, from the fact that four men each carried a piece that 
when brought together was pitched and buttoned together. 
It was scarcely large enough for four men, yet was made to 
answer the purpose. 

The camp was situated on rolling ground, sparsely tim- 
bered, with good 'running water near by. The soil was a 
mixture of clay and sand, which, when sun-baked, was hard' 
and unyielding, and the yelloAV glazed surface could be kept 
clean with a broom; but let rain come, and the hard flooring 
of camp Avas soon converted into the vilest of mud. 

On the left, some three hundred yards distant from the 
intrenchments, was a battery called No. Six, which was garri- 
soned weekly by details from the different regiments, and 
the men there immured suffered great hardships, the least of 
which was the want of water. Diagonally at the right was 
another fort or battery, some six hundred yards distant, and 
armed " at all angles." Not a day passed without more or 
less skirmish firingf. and we lost several men from the con- 
stant fusilade kept up from the enemy. The batteries would 



200 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

at times open up, and the dodging of shells was made a 
pastime both day and night. 

May 23rd, Private Amos Reese, Company H, was 
wounded thi'ough the thigh by a stray ball from the enemy 
while asleep in his quarters at dead of night, and in the early 
morning of the 25tli Lieutenant James Burrill, while asleep, 
was wounded by a stray bullet which passed through the 
neck. The ball entered just above the apex of the right 
scapula, passing out just anterior to the sterno-mastoid 
muscle, three inches above the collar bone. The same ball 
struck Private John Scanlan of Company A in the breast, 
but did not penetrate the skin by reason of its striking a 
button; the ball distinctly bearing the impress of the eagle, 
when picked up. 

Jacob C. Franks, Private of Company B, was drowned 
on the 25th while swimming in the James river. 

From the 20th of May to the 2d of June there was 
comparative quiet along our part of the line. We had been 
constantly annoyed by the desultory firing the " rebs " gave 
us both day and night, which had occasioned the loss of 
some five or six men from the regiment. The enemy had 
put forth every conceivable effort to dislodge us, but had 
failed each and every time. 

On the 2d day of June, at three o'clock in the morn- 
ing, they made their last and grandest effort. Beauregard 
opened lively with his heavy artillery and pushed his troops 
forward to our lines. This action was undoubtedly precipi- 
tated by the knowledge of the departure of General Smith's 
corps and two of General Gilmore's divisions, and the enemy 
naturally inferred that we had not troops suflicient to hold 
the fortifications in our front. But alas! for the "rebs;" 
they did not know that the First Division of the Tenth 
Corps, Brigadier-General Alfred H. Terry commanding, 
was holding the right of our lines, and that the center and 
left were equally well guarded, although not so easily assail- 



FELLOWS KILLED— SWEETSER WOUNDED. 201 

able. With their accustomed sagacity they chose the most 
exposed and open part of our position as the point to be 
attacked. The time was also well selected — when uiofht 
shrouded everything in impenetrable gloom. 

After the heavy fire of the batteries, which M-as mainly 
directed on our center for the space of an hour and promptly 
replied to by our own, there was a cessation on both sides 
and quiet was restored almost as suddenly as it had been 
broken. 

Soon we perceived the rush of a large body of rebels 
who had been massed and who came yelling like demons on 
our thin line of pickets. They took our line in reverse and 
broke it in two places, and forming in the rear took a large 
number of our men prisoners, chiefly belonging to the Third 
New Hampshire and Sixth Connecticut regiments. The 
enemy were gallantly met by our boys, who after a pro- 
tracted struofcrle sent them back with thinned ranks and a 
higher opinion of what the veterans from Morris Island 
could achieve. 

During this engagement Second Lieutenant A. W. 
Fellows, Company I, was killed by a bullet passing through 
his brain. Lieutenant Al. C. Sweetser of Company B was 
wounded through both legs. The wound of the left leg was 
not serious, the ball making merely a flesh wound. The 
right limb fared worse, the bullet passing through the knee- 
joint and so disrupting the articulation that amputation at 
the lower third of thigh became necessary. 

We shall never forget the courage and fortitude of 
Lieutenant Sweetser while on the operating-table, or while 
suffering for long months at Chesapeake hospital by reason 
of hospital gangrene and the subsequent operations that 
become necesssary from the necrosis of bone. He came 
back to the field hospital on a stretcher, calmly smoking a 
cigar, and after an examination, and when told that he must 
sacrifice a limb, he said, "Well, 'Doc,' just go to work, and 



202 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

do the very best you can for me." Lieutenant Sweetser was 
a brave and gallant officer. 

The other losses to the regiment amounted to thirty- 
three enlisted men in killed, wounded and missing. The 
rebel loss was much heavier than our own, and must have 
been, when we consider with what desperation they faced 
our fire. 

Colonel Dantzier of the Twenty-Second South Carolina 
regiment, which attacked our left, was left wounded in our 
liands, and on the third of June he was taken within the 
rebel lines under a flag of truce. Our division captured 
some eighty prisoners. 

General Terry, who commanded our division of the 
Tenth Army Corps, was always spoken of as a cool and able 
soldier as well as a polished and courteous gentleman, and 
he is to this day respected by each and every member of the 
regiment as well as by the whole command which he so 
ably and surely conducted. He has won his present rank, 
Major-General IT. S. A., by hard service in the field, and it 
is our wish that he may long live to wear the laurels that 
have been bestowed on so generous and brave a soldier by 
the grateful nation.' His command was made up of veteran 
soldiers who had become hardened to the vicissitudes of 
camp and field, and presented the bronzed and "brawny" 
look of experienced men. They were as familiar with 
battle-fields as with their muskets, and could always be 
relied upon in any emergency, 

' By reason of failing health General Terry has been placed on the 
retired list before the usual time. 





ALFRED H. TERRY, Major-General U. S. A. 

From Photograph taken in 1885. 



CHAPTEK XV. 



Some Leisure — Captain Sno-wden Wounded — Hot Weather — The 16th of 
June — Grant's Army Crosses the James — The Thirty-Ninth Encounter 
Pickett's Division — Captain Rudd W^ounded — The 17th of June — 
Take a Lot of Prisoners — General Gilmore Relieved — Return to Old 
Camp — President Lincoln Reviews the Army of the James — Our 
Wounded at Fort Monroe — How Treated — Hospital Chaplains: " No 
Good " — ^Chaplain McReading — An Incident — The 13th of August — 
Plimpton's Account of the Battle of Deep Run — Williams, Lemon 
and Franc Killed — Baker and Warner Lose their Legs — The Casual- 
ties — Poem. 



n^HERE was comparatively little to do from this time until 
June 14th, and the men were free to pursue their 
pleasures in camp with "turn about" for picket duty, and 
appearance at " dress parade " in the evening. 

Occasionally there would be a man wounded from the 
almost continuous fire of sharpshooters in our front. Wq 
remember that Captain George O. Snowden of Company D 
was wounded, June 3d, through the right thigh, in this man- 
ner, and on June 12th there were other casualties. But 
there was, otherwise, little to do under the little huts of can- 
vas that sheltered the men on the hard-baked yellow clay 
camp back of the intrenchments. 

The thermometer ranged from 103° to 105° in the 
shade, and evergreen boughs and brush were plentifully 
brought into use in shielding the men from the glaring rays 
of a hot sun. Occasionally the General would come to inspect, 
or the regimental band would come out and enliven the 
scene Avitli lively music; otherwise the men would seem to 
hibernate, except when running to the sutler's for sweet- 



204 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

meats, or a pack of cards for a little game of " poker," or 
" seven-up." 

On tlie IGtli of June the men were called on for a march 
of several miles out on the Richmond pike, together with the 
balance of the brigade and division. The reason for this 
move was that we had found the enemy in our front evacu- 
ating their line, which as we moved forwards proved only 
too true. Our line of march was directly through their late 
position, and we followed on through the timber and clear- 
insfs until we reached Wier Bottom church, where we met 
the "rebs" in large force. In fact, the whole of Lee's army 
was in motion to oppose General Grant, who visited us on 
the loth, and whose army, after battling in the Wilderness 
for days, had crossed the James river and was advancing on 
Petersburg. The Eighteenth Corps and that portion which 
had gone to reinforce the Army of the Potomac had returned 
and was again behind the intrenchments in Butler's army. 
The principal force that the Thirty-Ninth met with on this 
day was Pickett's division, and a lively time was had with 
them for some hours. It was said that Generals Lee, Beau- 
regard and Longstreet were present at the front, witnesses 
of the engagement. The regiment was thrown out as skir- 
mishers, and suffered considerably. Captain Oscar F. Eudd, 
Company G, was mortally wounded, and twenty enlisted men 
w'ere killed and wounded. Captain Rudd Avas brought back 
■to Dr. Clark who had followed his regiment to the front that 
morning, shot through both shoulders, the ball, in its pas- 
sage, injuring the spinal cord. He was given a hasty 
examination and dressing and sent to the rear, as the shells 
and bullets were flying around thickly. At nightfall, two 
successive assaults were made by the enemy and were hand- 
somely repulsed each time with great loss on both sides. 

The morning hours were very sultry and oppressive, 
and when the enemy was met the fighting was fierce and 
most sanguinary for several hours. 



GEN. GILMORE RELIEVED. 205 

"The combat opened, ominous and dire; 
Fast to the front the trained battalions poured, 
While batteries belched their streams of murderous fire; 
While bayonets flashed, while sword met sword; 
While bombs were bursting and while cannon roared; 
While the old soldiers, veterans trained and tried, 
Broke in confusion, never to be restored; 
Or manfully pressed forward side by side, 
Till, bleeding, torn, they sank to earth, and sinking, died." 

On the morning o£ the 17th the rebels again assaulted 
our picket line and were again repulsed and driven back, 
the regiment taking twenty-six prisoners. The whole num- 
ber of prisoners taken by the Thirty-Ninth during the two- 
days' fight was ninety-six. At four o'clock p.m. the same 
day the enemy opened with a heavy artillery fire followed by 
another assault which resulted most disastrously to them, 
and where they lost many men taken prisoners. The Sixth 
Army Corps came to our relief at this juncture, and Terry's 
division, thus strengthened, felt that it could withstand Lee, 
Beauregard, and the d — 1, if necessary. 

General Gilmore at this time was relieved from the 
command of the Tenth Army Corps, and was succeeded by 
General Brooks. It was also rumored through camp tha^t 
Grant had taken Petersburg, and that General Hunter had 
possession of Lynchburg, Va. ; but these rumors proved to 
be silly canards. 

We returned to our old camp on the 18th of June, and 
were glad to receive the order, for we had no food except 
what could be gathered froAi the surrounding country, and 
that had been pretty thoroughly gleaned by the Confed- 
erates. 

On June 22d President Lincoln, accompanied by Gen- 
eral Butler and a brilliant staff, rode along our line of 
intrenchments and was greeted with hearty cheers. 

Nothing of any particular interest took j^lace after the 
fight of the 16th of June until August 13th, there being a 



206 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

great lull in military operations along our line. Some of the 
Tenth Corps had been removed to join the army in front of 
Petersburg. On July 29th we heard of the great assault and 
the mine explosion at Fort Harrison in the front of Peters- 
burg, — another great blunder of the war, accompanied by a 
useless sacrifice of life. General Brooks, commanding our 
corps, was succeeded by Major-General D. B. Birney on July 
22d, and some other changes were occurring which it is not 
necessary to mention. 

During this period of inaction the writer had permission 
to proceed to Fortress Monroe to look after the wounded of 
the regiment in that hospital. He found Colonels Osborn 
and Mann occupying a room together on the second floor of 
the hospital. They were both doing well under the care of 
Assistant Surgeon David G. Kush, U. S. V., but they were 
both still confined to bed and suffering with the pain of their 
wounds. 

Dr. Rush was much respected by those who were so 
fortunate as to come under his care, not only for his profes- 
sional skill but for his gentlemanly demeanor. The acquaint- 
ance there formed with the ofiicers of the Thirty-Ninth who 
were under his special care doubtless had some influence in 
the Doctor's selection of Chicago as his future home, as he 
removed there soon after the war, and the same may perhaps 
be said concerning Dr. Daniel R. Brower, whom we first met 
with at Norfolk, Va., but who was formerly on the medical 
staff of Chesapeake hospital. 

In this connection we may mention another medical 
gentleman — Dr. Daniel T. Nelson, now a prominent phy- 
sician of Chicago, whom the writer first met in March, 
1864, when he was an acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A., and 
had been assigned to the flying hospital of the Twenty-Fourth 
Army Corps by Medical Director J. B. Morrison. The Doctor 
was with us some months, and was assigned to the duty of 







■TSii 



VISIT TO CHESAPEAKE HOSPITAL. 207 

keeping the hospital records. We found him to be a very 
capable and pleasant addition to our staff. 

Captain O. F. Rudd occupied a room in the near vicinity, 
and his wife was with him. but the Captain was fast failing 
and could not possibly survive more than a day or two. 
Lieutenants Sweetser and Butterfield, and the other Avounded 
officers of the regiment were in the large ward on the first 
floor and were not doing as well as could be desired, 
especially Lieutenant Sweetser, who had been attacked with 
hospital gangrene and had undergone some painful opera- 
tions; but he was still happy and hopeful, and said that he 
would see us later in the war, and he did, for when the 
writer took charge of the hospital at Ferry Point, Norfolk, 
Ya., he came over and remained until he left for home. 

The hospital was in a very bad condition, hospital gan- 
grene being very prevalent, and it was a most unfit place for 
wounded men — especially the main hospital building. It 
was under the control of Assistant Surgeon McClellan, V. S. A. 

The enlisted men of the Thirty-Ninth who were at this 
place were located in tents, and seemed to be well cared for, 
yet there were m'any complaints made relative to the manner 
of treatment and the quality of rations that were furnished', 
but this was to be expected in even the best regulated 
hospitals. 

Great dissatisfaction was often expressed at the conduct 
of the chaplains, and with good reason, too, in many in- 
stances, for their ministrations often resulted in doing more 
harm than good, especially where they were so persistent 
and officious in looking after the spiritual interests of the 
men as to worry and irritate them. The chaplains, as a class, 
were noble and patriotic men, and were as zealous in caring 
for the physical wants of the wounded and dying as their 
spiritual, both on the field of battle, in hospital, and in camp. 
But then there was a large number of clerical parasites 
clinging to the hospitals who were too timid to take the field 



208 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

or even accompany their regiments. They were Pharisees, 
who made it a business to pray aloud in public places that 
they might be seen and heard of men — they were rotten 
at the core, not caring half as much for their soul's welfare 
or "anybody else's" as for the dollars they received per 
month from "Uncle Sam." 

One of our boys made a grievous complaint to me 
about the religious counsellor that frequented his ward. 
He would come half a dozen times a day, scattering tracts; 
and sitting; down on the cot would tell him that he was look- 
ing very poorly and must prepare to die ; that if he did not 
repent of his sins he would surely go to h-11. 

"Now," said the boy, "I don't want any such syco- 
phant coming and preaching to me, disturbing the rest that 
I so much need — irritating me beyond all control by his 
canting about my sinfulness and telling me that I must die 
and go to perdition. He is doing me harm all the time! I 
feel that I shall get well if I have proper care; and if I 
don't, I am ready to go when the time comes. It was only 
the other day that one of the sick men here got so incensed 
at him that he threw a plate at him and told him to go to 
the d — 1, and whenever he comes palavering round me I feel 
like doing the same thing." 

This forcing of religious counsel upon men at such 
times and under such circumstances was most unwise and 
reprehensible. No good came of it, but rather great injury 
sometimes. 

The writer has stood beside hundreds of soldiers when 
dying from disease or wounds, and he has never yet seen 
one manifest the least fear in facing death. Often have 
they expressed themselves as being willing and glad to go. 
One case is well remembered, that of a young drummer boy 
suffering with chronic diarrhoea and under his care at the 
post liospital Norfolk, Va., in 18G5. He knew that he could 
not get well — was wasted away to a mere shadow which was 



THE CHAPLAIN'S PRAYER AT WINCHESTER. 209 

growing darker and darker for him eacli day. In visitino- 
tlirough his ward one morning he found him clothed and 
sitting up beside his bed. Says he: "Doctor, I want to ask 
you a question. You know that I cannot live, and I want 
to know how long it will be before I die." 

" Why, Johnny, you seem pretty strong and cheerful 
this morning, and you must not go so gloomily." 

" Yes, I know, Doctor, that I feel a little better, but it's 
all owing to the milk-punch and the stimulants. I want to 
know how long you think I can live. I am getting tired of 
living, for I feel myself a nuisance to everybody and I want 
to go. I have got a mother and sisters at home, and oh! I 
should be so glad to see them and have them here with me 
for a little time; but I shall never see them again in this 
world." 

He was told that it was impossible to say how long he 
might live, but that he would soon be released from his 
troubles. It was promised to write to his friends. In mak- 
ing the evening round through the wards his bed was found 
vacant — he was in the dead-room. 

AVhile on the subject of army chaplains it maybe proper 
to mention a little incident connected with our chaplain, the 
Kev. C. S. McReading. While we were at Winchester, Va., 
in 1862, Chaplain Mac, as we termed him, was invited to 
pray in a Methodist church presided over by the Rev. Dr. 
Brooke. It was seldom, during our stay near Winchester, 
that public service was held in the churches on Sabbath day^ 
for the reason, as a soldier said, " the people were afraid to 
show themselves in their home-made clothes " ; and it was a 
fact that even wealthy families were obliged to wear clothing 
of the coarsest description. The chaplain, who was invited to 
occupy the pulpit and assist in the services, was called upon 
to make the prayer, and he invoked the Deity most fervently 
for the " success of the Union armies " — " the speedy sup- 
pression of this wicked and causeless rebellion " — " for 



210 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

A.braliam Lincoln, the President of the United States," 
and for "the Congress then in session at Washington" — a 
style of invocation that \^as new to the people of Winchester. 
He was never again invited into the pulpit at Winchester 
during our stay. 

On the 13tJi day of August the regiment, then in com- 
mand of Captain Leroy A. Baker, the senior officer present, 
was called upon to move out of camp to once more face the 
enemy. The movements of the Thirty-Ninth on this day, 
and the fierce and sanguinary battle that followed on the 
16th of August, are graphically described by Homer A. 
Plimpton, who took an active part in it, as follows: 

AN ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF DEEP RUN, VA., AUGUST 

16th, 1864. 

When we broke up camp on the 13th of August, we concluded, 
from the nature of the orders, that we were to embark on transports and 
proceed to some point which, according to various surmises, was sup- 
posed to be somewhere between Washington and Mobile. W^hen, however, 
we reached the river where we naturally expected to find the transports 
with steam up and everything in readiness for our reception, we beheld not 
the above, but a long line of pontoons stretched across the river. Over 
these we went " marching on," and did not stop until we found ourselves 
massed in a piece of woods near the enemy's line of advanced works not 
far from Deep Run. W^hen morning dawned, skirmishing commenced, and 
it was not long before our brigade was in motion and in readiness for a 
charge. We charged the rebels and drove them from their first line to a 
second, more formidable. 

During the balance of the day we moved about from one place to 
another, and at night went on picket. At one o'clock, however, we were 
quietly withdrawn and moved back to the pontoon bridge, crossed over, 
and moved down the stream about half a mile and recrossed on another 
pontoon, and found ourselves with the Second Corps, General Hancock 
commanding. Both corps commenced moving toward Richmond. We 
advanced to within about eight miles of the city, when we came in contact 
with the enemy intrenched. Our regiment supported a battery all day and 
the next night. No general engagement took place that day. 

On the morning of the 16th, the day following, our brigade received 
orders to move to the right of the rebel works in support of regiments 
thrown out as skirmishers. We were soon brought under fire, and were not 
long in ascertaining that the force before us was by no means small. We 



DEATH OF HARDENBURGH. 211 

found that the enemy had been driven from their rifle-pits, and were now 
inside their main worlss. We soon moved forward over the line of skir- 
mishers to within two hundred yards of the rebel intrenchments, screened, 
however, from view by dense woods. We here received notice from our 
Division General, A. H. Terry, that our brigade had been selected to charge 
those works. Between us and " those works " was a strip of slashing about 
one hundred yards wide, and it was no easy matter to cross such obstacles 
under a galling fire. We formed just inside of the woods, out of sight, 
but near enough to the rebels for them to hear our commands. 

The brigade was formed in double column on the center at half dis- 
tance by regiments, the Thirty-Ninth being on the extreme left. When all 
was ready, the command "Forward!" was given, and we moved off on 
common time, with arms at a "right shoulder shift"; but as soon as we 
reached the edge of the slashing we received a deadly volley from the 
enemy which brought the guns down to a " trail," and onv colors to the 
ground. These were immediately picked up by an officer [Lieutenant 
Norman C. Warner, Company E], and away we went with a regular Western 
yell, on the full jump, over logs, tree-tops and stum^js thrown about in 
inextricable confusion. 

The scene that now presented itself to my view I shall never forget — 
whole divisions of the advancing column swept down in the twinkling of an 
eye. On every hand could be seen the dead and dying men — our own com- 
rades, who but a short time before were buoyant and hopeful, with no 
thought of death to make them sad. 

But notwithstanding this terrible, slaughter, the old Western brigade 
did not stop, but made directly for the rebel breastworks bristling with 
bayonets and alive with men; nor did the enemy give way, but fought us 
hand-to-hand as we attempted to mount the works. Our colors were again 
shot down, Lieutenant Warner, who was carrying them, losing a leg. 
Another officer snatched them up and sprang upon the parapets, followed 
by scores of others, who leaped over right among the " Johnnies," and com- 
menced using the bayonet and clubbed musket. Soon a break was made 
and then began the capturing of prisoners. After we got over the works, 
we immediately swung to the left and moved down the trenches, hauling 
out the " graybacks," who begged lustily for mercy. In a short time we 
had possession of the line and nearly eight hundred prisoners and five 
stands of colors. 

A brave young private, Henry M. Hardenburgh, of Company G, cap- 
tured one of the latter after a hand-to-hand light with the color-sergeant 
of the Tenth Alabama, whom he left dead on the field. General Birney, 
our corps commander, to whom he delivered the flag, complimented him 
very highly. Since coming here, while on duty in the trenches, he was 
mortally wounded by a piece of shell. A day or two after his death his 
appointment as First Lieutenant in the Thirty-Sixth United States Col- 
ored Troops was received at our headquarters from Major-General Butler, 



212 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

for gallantry on the field, but it came too late. He is silent in the grave, 
all unmindful of earthly rewards. 

After getting possession of the works spoken of before, the fighting 
by no means ceased. The enemy was constantly receiving reinforcements, 
and by some means or other succeeded in regaining possession of a portion 
of the line on our left, to which another brigade had been sent. Having 
gained this advantage, which uncovered our left flank, they soon rendered 
our position untenable, and we were, per consequence, compelled to give 
back, which we did under a raking fire. 

We remained on the north side of the James, skirmishing and forti- 
fying, until the 20th, on the night of which we returned to our old camp. 
Our loss while on the north side was ninety-seven men and seven officers 
killed, wounded, and missing. Three of the seven oflBcers are among the 
killed. 

The morning report of the regiment on the 16th day of 
August showed only two hundred and twenty-eight men fit 
for duty, fifteen of whom were on detail, leaving only two 
hundred and thirteen men with eleven ofiicers to enter into 
this assault. The loss was ninety-seven men and seven com- 
missioned officers, and Avhen it retired and returned back to 
camp it did so with one hundred and sixteen men commanded 
by four officers, of whom Captain Plimpton, Company G, 
was the senior ofiicer and in command of the regiment. 

Captain Chauncey Williams, Company H, Lieutenant 
James Lemon, Company I, and Lieutenant Frane, of Com- 
pany D, were struck dead by rebel bullets, and were buried 
on the field where they so gallantly charged and so bravely 
met their death. 

Captain Leroy A. Baker, who commanded the regiment, 
fell, struck by a bullet that so shattered his leg that amj)uta- 
tion was found to be necessary. 

Lieutenant Norman C. Warner, Company E, was struck 
down while gallantly bearing the colors of the regiment, 
which he had torn from the bloody hands of Sergeant Henry 
M. Hardenburg, Company G, and so tight was the grasp of 
Hardenburg upon the folds that the piece grasped by him 
remained within his hand when the banner was taken by 
Lieutenant Warner. Lieutenant Warner was also compelled 



•DON'T TELL MOTHER!" 



213 



to lose a leg, and as lie was being borne back to the hos- 
pital his thoughts reverted to the mother at home, whom he 
was so anxious should be spared the intelligence of this 
calamity until able to communicate the matter m his own 
way, that he cautioned the boys, " Don't tell mother! Don't 
tell mother!" This seemed to occupy his mmd more than 
the painfully shattered leg that was being borne back to 
the surgeon's knife. 

Lieutenant Butterfield escaped with a severe flesh wound 




Scene of Assault, August 16, 1864. 

of the face and was soon able for daty. Lieutemnt Horace 
Knapp, Company 1>, received a bad .vonud u, the shonlde., 
the ball having to be out out. 

These officers together with our other wounded weie 
placed on the hospital transport near by, after be.ng attended 
to, and sent to general hospital. 

The wounds received in this assault were mo^e tl a„ 
usually severe in character, a great number -q-™g ™ ' ; 
tation excision of bone and resection of jomts. The numbei 



214 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

of wounded that our division of the flying hospital disposed 
of in the ensuing forty-eight hours was nine hundred, who 
were placed on board the "Hero of Jersey," under the medi- 
cal charge of Surgeon A. C. Barlow of the Sixty-Second 
Ohio Volunteers. The entire list of casualties on the 16th 
of June at Deep Bottom and Strawberry Plains amounted 
on the Federal side to live thousand, and it was impossible 
to say what had been accomplished, if anything, in our 
advance upon Richmond. 

In closing this chapter the following lines from the pen 
of the Rev. William E. Miller, of Tompkins Cove, N. Y., 
seem to be appropriate. 

" WOUNDED." 

Let me lie down, 
Just here in the shade of this cannon-torn tree; 
Here, low in the trampled grass, where I may see 
The surge of the combat; and where I may hear 
The glad cry of victory; cheer ujDOn cheer: 

Let me lie down. 

Oh, it was grand! 
Like the tempest we charged, the triumph to share; 
The tempest! — its fury and thunder were there. 
On! on! o'er intrenchments; o'er living and dead, 
AVith the foe under foot and the flag overhead: 

Oh, it was grand! 

Weary and faint, 
Prone on the soldier's couch, oh! how can I rest. 
With this shot-shattered head and saber-pierced breast? 
Comrades! at roll call, when I shall be sought, 
Say I fought 'till I fell, and fell where I fought! 

Wounded and faint. 

Oh, that last charge! 
Right through the dread host tore shrapnel and shell. 
Through without faltering — clear through with a yell! 
Right in their midst, in the turmoil and gloom, 
Like heroes we dashed at the mandate of doom: 

Oh, that last charge! 



" WOUNDED." 215 

It was duty! 
Some things are worthless, some others so good 
That nations who buy them pay only in blood. 
For freedom and Union, each man owes his part; 
And here I pay my share, all warm from my heart: 

It is duty. 

Dying at last! 
My mother, dear mother! with meek tearful eye, 
Farewell! and God bless you forever and aye: 
Oh, that I now lay on your pillowing breast, 
To breathe my last sigh on the bosom first prest: 

Dying at last. 

I am no saint! 
But, boys, say a prayer; there's one that begins 
"Our Father! " and then says, '• forgive us our sins." 
Don't forget that part, say it strongly! and then — 
I'll try to repeat it, and you'll say Amen! 

Oh', I'm no saint. 

Hark! there's a shout! 
Raise me up, comrades! We have conquered, I know! 
Up, up, on my feet, with my face to the foe! 
Oh! there flies the flag, with its star spangles bright, 
The promise of glory, the symbol of right! 

Well may they shout! 

I'm mustered out! 
Oh, God of our fathers! our freedom prolong, 
And tread down rebellion, oppression and wrong. 
Oh, land of earth's hope! on thy blood-reddened sod, 
I die for the Nation, the Union, and God! 

I'm mustered out. 



CHAPTEE XVI. 



General Birney's Order — Pretty Well Thinned Out, but Always Ready — 
In Front of Petersburg — Brigade Hospital — The Petersburg Express 
— Rebel Lines — Grant's Headquarters — Whitworth Bolts — Execution 
of a Soldier — Colonel Howell's Death — Eulogy and Elegy — Position 
of the Army of the James — Election Commissioners — Feeling of the 
Soldiers — Light Marching Order — Cross the James — Battle of 
Darbytown Cross-Roads — Assault of the Fort — Plimpton's Account 
of It — Sergeant Slagles — Yates' Death — Steele's — Bad Place for 
Surgeons— The Wounded — Lieutenant Wilder Killed — An Incident — 
Miss Clara Barton — A Great "Skedaddle" — General Birney's Death 
— Grand Review by Lincoln and Grant — Some Medical Matters — 
Winter Quarters — Some of Butler's Orders. 



n^HOSE were very busy days in that liot August month. 
Fighting was almost constant at some point along our 
lines. General Orel had succeeded to the command of the 
Eighteenth Army Corps. General Butler had commenced 
operations on his "Dutch Gap" canal. On the 19th General 
Birney, commanding the Tenth Corps, issued the following 
congratulatory order to his troops: 

Headquaetees Tenth Aemy Coeps, 

Fussel's Mills, Va., A^tgitst 19, 1864. 

GENERAL ORDERS. 
The Major-General commanding congratulates the Tenth Corps upon 
its success. It has on each occasion, when ordered, broken the enemy's 
strong lines. It has captured during this short campaign four siege guns 
protected by the most formidable works, six stands of colors, and many 
prisoners. It has proved itself worthy of its old Wagner and Sumter 
renown. Much fatigue, patience and heroism may yet be demanded of it; 
but the Major-General commanding is confident of the response. 

(Signed) Majoe-Geneeal D. B. Bieney. 

Edwaed W. Smith, Lt. Col. and A.A.G. 

216 



ON THE MOVE AGAIN. 217 

The afternoon of the 21st of Auo^ust the regiment — if 
it could be so called, for there was Init a mere fragment left 
of it — moved back to our old quarters, but had no sooner 
disposed of ourselves for a comfortable rest than orders were 
received to prepare for another move. We were like the 
men set out upon the chess-board^ — subject to the will of 
the players in this great game for National existence ; which 
called to mind the song of Omar Khayyam: — 

" We are no other than a moving row 
Of magic shadow-shapes, that come and go 
Round with the illuminated lantern held 
In midnight by the master of the show; 
But helpless pieces of the game he plays 
Upon the chequer-board of nights and days; 
Hither and thither moves, and checks, and slays, 
And one by one back in the closet lays. 
The ball no question makes of ayes and noes. 
But here and there, as strikes the players, goes; 
And he that tossed you down into the field — 
He knows about it all — he knows, he knows." 

It was not, however, until the 24th of August that our 
division filed out- from behind the intrenchments at Bermuda 
Hundred and took up its march to the trenches in front of 
Petersburg. We reached the vicinity of the works on the 
evening of the same day and bivouacked for the night. The 
following day the division took j)osition near the huge works 
that rise some six or more feet abov© the level. Our brigade 
(the First) spread their shelters in the open timber some rods 
back from the line of intrenchments, and protected their 
quarters by throwing up heavy embankments on the side 
fronting the enemy. 

The regimental camp was near Cemetery Hill, where 
General Burnside exploded the heavy mine on • the evening 
of July 29th Avhich was to have accomplished such wonders, 
and would, possibly, had the affair been properly managed ; 
but it was successful only in a great and useless slaughter 



218 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

of human life. In the rear of our position, distant about 
one mile, and on higher ground. Surgeon Clark established 
the brigade hospital, marking its position with the hospital 
flag run to the top of a high pole ; and during our stay in 
the front of Petersburg not a day passed without receiving 
wounded from some point along the line occupied by the 
brigade. 

August 25th, Sergeant Henry Hardenburgh, Company 
G, was killed in camp by a fragment of shell which pene- 
trated his left side. He lived but a short time after being 
brought to the hospital. 

Near the hospital and to the right there had been 
placed in position a fifteen-inch mortar which was named 
the "Petersburg Express," and every half hour both day 
and night it sent a messenger, in shape of a fifteen-inch 
shell, over into the city of Petersburg. At night when the 
lighted fuse of this monster shell could be seen, it was a 
sort of satisfaction to watch its progress through the air and 
to hear its explosion over that stronghold of treason. 

About this time we heard that Colonel Osborn and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Mann had so much improved in health 
that they had departed for home on " leave of absence." 

September 3d news came that General Sherman had 
taken possession of Atlanta, Ga. It was received with 
general rejoicing. 

The rebel fortifications in our front were most formid- 
able, and some of the forts and redoubts on the left were 
very strong, especially Forts Sedgwick and Steadman. 
The length of the rebel line of fortification was some forty 
miles, extending from the left bank of the Appomattox river 
around to the western side of Petersburg and to the James 
river, and thence to the east of Richmond. The opposing 
line of Grant was equal in length but not so heavy and 
strong. General Grant's headquarters were at City Point, 
and there had been constructed a railroad from that place 



HANGING A SOLDIER. 219 

to the extreme end of his lines, and as trains passed to and 
fro they were made the target for numerous " Whitworth 
bolts" sent over with the design of disabling the locomo- 
tives ; but as a rule they seldom did any damage. We often 
went out and picked them up as curiosities where they had 
fallen. 

On September 3d the First Division of the Tenth 
Corps was called out to witness the execution of a young 
soldier belonging to a New York regiment who had been 
tried and convicted by court-martial for willfully and ma- 
liciously killing a comrade, and he had been sentenced to be 
hung by the neck until dead. At two o'clock p.m. the 
division marched to the place of execution and was formed 
in hollow square, inclosing the gallows, which had been 
erected during the morning. The condemned man was 
escorted to the platform of the gallows by a tile of soldiers. 
He mounted to the trap with apparent indifference, where 
the charge and sentence of the court-martial were read; 
after which he was asked if he wished to say anything; but 
he remained silent. A white cap Avas then drawn over his 
head and face, the chaplain made a short prayer, the signal 
was given, and in a moment the young "homicide" was 
dangling at the end of the rope, and soon he was pro- 
nounced dead. His soul had advanced to judgment. 

Affairs remained comparatively quiet in our front, and 
there were no very exciting episodes connected with the 
daily routine of duty. 

On the morning of September 13th we Avere painfully 
shocked to hear that Colonel Howell, then temporarily com- 
manding the Third Division, had been seriously injured the 
previous evening by the falling of his horse. The orderly 
who brought the intelligence also conveyed a request from 
General Birney for Surgeon Clark to come and attend to the 
Colonel. The writer immediately proceeded to Corps head- 
quarters accompanied by an ambulance. 



220 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Colonel Howell was found in a small tent near General 
Birney's headquarters, alone and unconscious, no attention 
whatever having been paid to him. His clothing and even 
his sash and sword were still on him, and the front of his 
coat was incrusted with dejections from his stomach. > Call- 
ing an orderly, and assisted by the driver of the ambulance, 
the Colonel was placed aboard and taken to the brigade 
hospital. No person about Birney's quarters seemed suffi- 
ciently interested to put in an appearance. The Colonel 
had been placed in that tent at the time of his injury and 
had remained there during the night without care or any 
attempt being made to ascertain the nature of his injuries. 
On reaching the hosp^ital a thorough examination was made. 
No bones were found broken, but he was sufPering from a 
severe concussion of the brain, and possibly haemorrhage. 
It was evident, however, that he could not live. He re- 
mained unconscious up to a few moments before dissolution, 
Avhen he opened his eyes and made an effort to speak, but 
was unintelligible. He died at sundown on the evening of 
the 24th. 

Thus closed the life of as gallant and brave a man as 
ever entered the service. After death he was embalmed and 
his brother, Dr. Howell, was informed by telegram of the 
sad event. As soon as his death was known, and which was 
wholly unexpected by his late comrades, large numbers of 
his friends came to do him honor. General Terry came, 
and sincerely mourned over the old comrade and officer 
whom he had so lately seen in the full enjoyment of health, 
and so full of enthusiasm over the news of Sherman's vic- 
tories on his "March to the Sea." All the members of his 
own regiment (the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania) came to look 
upon their dead commander as he lay under the shelter of 
the boughs, with the sharp cracking of musketry and the 
booming of rebel cannon for a requiem. The burial service 
for the dead was conducted bv his brother officers of the 



COL. HOWELUS DEATH. 221 

Masonic fraternity, and the remains, in the care of his 
brother, were sent home. 

It was a sad and shocking death to us all. He was a 
father to his whole command and they had learned to love 
and respect him. Notwithstanding his age (sixty years) he 
was always alert for duty, and in times of danger was ever 
at the front and ever vigilant. Colonel Howell was a gen- 
tleman of the " old school." You could almost fancy you 
saw the long queue, the well-powdered hair, and the silk 
hose and silver buckles of a century ago. He was dignified 
in manner, yet affable, courteous and kind in behavior; gen- 
erous and affectionate in disposition and profuse in hospi- 
tality ; and when he spoke, one could almost feel the warmth 
of his generous heart, there was such a sense of sincerity and 
truth in his greeting. 

That he was brave, even to desperation, no one who 
knew him will question. We remember at one time when a 
body of deserters from the enemy had come within our lines, 
that one of them, on espying the Colonel near by, said: 

"Ah! that gray-headed and bearded old gentleman 
over there looks like Howell!" 

On being told that it was, he continued: 

" Our folks know him miwhtv well and don't like him 
at all, and our pickets have frequently had orders to shoot 
him. They say he's a brave old man!" 

It was indeed wonderful that he had so miraculously 
escaped death at the hands of the enemy, for he was always 
at the front, and seemed to invite death on the field of bat- 
tle. He was a dear friend of the writer, who feels that in 
paying this tribute to his memory after so many years have 
sped away, he has but given voice to the sentiments of all 
who knew him. 

September 18th, the sharp and continuous crack of 
musketry still echoed and re-echoed along the whole picket- 
line, accompanied now and then by the fie^-ce screaming of 




Map of the Defenses of Richmond and Peteesbueg. 



ELECTION COMMISSIONERS. 223 

shells and the loud detonation as they exploded overhead, 
carrying death and wounds in their course. 

Preparations were making for the departure of the 
Eighteenth Army Corps and a portion of the Tenth, and our 
division was in a constant state of expectancy, for orders 
might be received at any moment. 

The troops in front of Petersburg at this time were dis- 
posed of in a semi-circular line. Our left (the Army of the 
Potomac) extending across the Petersburg and Norfolk rail- 
road on the south, and the right resting on the Appomattox 
river at the Mills house, four miles north of the city. The 
Army of the James (Butler's) occupied a position on the 
right and front, to the north and westward, near the Peters- 
burg and Richmond railroad. 

At about this time commissioners from the various 
States were coming into camp for the purpose of taking the 
vote of the soldiers for the coming election, and it was a 
busy and quarrelsome time. We had for a long time 
expected that we would be permitted to proceed home as a 
regiment for the^purpose of voting, but it was not to be, for 
active preparations were making for a movement against the 
enemy. 

We had received the full details of the Chicago con- 
vention, the platform adopted, and heard with dismay of the 
nomination of McClellan for the presidency. But we were 
convinced that George B. McClellan, the hero who had won 
no battle and captured no city except Trenton, New Jersey, 
would appear "non est inventus" when the result of the 
November election was known. Considerable excitement 
was rife, and we took some pains to ascertain the feeling of 
the soldiers in the matter and to probe the popular senti- 
ment. In several of the brigades the election had already 
been held with the result of a seven-eighths vote for "• Old 
Abe Lincoln" — the man whom the soldiers considered as 



224 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

best fitted to hold the helm of State until our cruise through 
the troubled waters of a treacherous rebellion was finished. 

The commander of an Eastern regiment had told us 
that there were six ofiicers and many men in his command 
who had openly declared their intention to support McClel- 
lan for the presidency, but who after reading his platform 
turned completely about and voted for Lincoln. " Little 
Mac" had but few friends in the army operating against 
Richmond. 

We as a regiment were loud in expressing our con- 
demnation of the Illinois Copperhead legislature in not 
permitting us to vote, and a meeting was held and resolu- 
tions passed to that effect. 

On September 25th the First Division of the Tenth 
Army Corps had orders to move, and left camp in light 
marching order at eight o'clock p.m., and after marching 
until near midnight, turned into an open field and bivou- 
acked, with a single blanket to each man for covering. Ah, 
me! what an uncomfortable night was passed, and how cold 
it turned before morning in that spacious and breezy 
dormitory of Nature's! 

Light marching order in those days consisted in being 
equipped with gun and bayonet, cartridge-box filled with 
" sixty rounds," haversack containing five days' rations, 
overcoat and blanket, canteen of water and drinking cup. 
Quite enough to keep a man from flying. We remained in 
camp until the following evening, and then resumed the 
march. 

On the 28th we reached the James river and crossed it 
at Deep Bottom, on the pontoon bridge, after a most 
fatiguing march, and bivouacked. A portion of the Tenth 
Corps which had preceded us, together with the Eighteenth 
Corps, had advanced below Chapin's Bluff, and on the 29th 
of September had taken a large portion of the enemy's 
fortified line, with fifteen guns and many prisoners. Gen- 



BATTLE OF DAEBYTOWX CROSS-ROADS. 225 

era! Orel, conimaiidiug the Eighteenth Corps, was badly 
wounded, General Godfrey Weitzel succeeding to the com- 
mand. General Birney had taken the enemy's fortified 
lines at New Market heights, and had attempted the taking 
of Fort Gilmer at Laurel Hill. Avithin six miles of Richmond, 
but the assault proved a failure. This was the same works 
that the First Brigade of the First Division, Tenth Corps, 
attempted later on at the battle known as '• Darby town 
Cross-Eoads " the 13th of October, in which the Thirtv- 
Xinth lost more than sixty men and the brigade over three 
hundred. 

Sejitember 30th the rebels made an effort to retake 
their line, but were repulsed; and another and more vigor- 
ous effort was made on the evening of October ()th, when a 
terrible battle ensued, that resulted most disastrously to the 
Confederates. The Thirty-Ninth had taken no active part 
in these movements and assaults, but had moved to a 
position connecting with the Eighteenth Corps, the line of 
the First Division of the Tenth extending from Chapin's 
Bluff on the left to the New Market road on the right, and 
had been busy in throwing up intrenchments, with now and 
then a skirmish with the rebels. 

On the 9th of October the enemy came in force to drive 
us from our position and turn our ilank, but were repulsed 
with great slaughter and driven back some miles. 

At three o'clock on the morning of the 13th we had 
orders to advance on a reconnoissance. We found the 
enemy strongly intrenched, and after some lively skirmish- 
ing the First Brigade was selected to make a charge. 

The following from the diary of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Homer A. Plimpton describes the 

BATTLE OF DARBYTOWN CROSS-ROADS, OCTOBER 13th, 1864. 

On the 13th of October we advanced on to the Darbytown road about 
three and a half miles from Richmond, where we found the enemy strongly 
intrenched. We skirmished with the " rebs " until about two p.m., when 
15 



226 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

our brigade was ordered to charge the works. The circumstances sur- 
rounding us at the time were very discouraging indeed. We were com- 
pelled to charge their works at a point where they had a heavy flank fire 
upon us, and through thick underbrush and small timber, and then over 
heavy slashing where their artillery could rake us. The men all knew 
before going in the diflSculties ahead; all the officers of the brigade were 
opposed to the charge, and reported so to the General commanding the 
corps; but it made no difference. Charge we must, and charge ive did, and 
Death reaped a rich harvest as the result. 

Nobly did our old brigade stand up before that terrible storm of 
lead and iron, but human endurance could not withstand it, and it was 
hurled back with fearful loss. Our little regiment lost sixty brave men in 
less time than it takes to tell it. Our colors were completely riddled, and 
the color-guard all killed or wounded with the exception of three. 

There was one sad incident connected with that color-guard that will 
never be forgotten by any who survived that desperate charge. Our 
Color-Sergeant, George W. Yates, of Company A, while deliberations were 
going on in relation to the expected charge upon " those works," took out 
all of his letters from his pocket, read them over, and then tore them to 
pieces and scattered them to the winds. He then called his guard about 
him and told them that in all probability a charge would be made at that 
point and it would be a desperate afifair; and "Boys, I shall in all likeli- 
hood fall. When the order is given to charge, let not one of you desert 
those colors. Save them, whether I am lost or not." When the order was 
given to charge. Sergeant Yates sprang forward with the colors like a deer, 
But no sooner did he come in sight of the rebel works than he became the 
target of a terrible volley from their guns and fell pierced with four balls. 
It was at this point that the regiment was hurled back and the rebels 
sprang over their works in hot pursuit. Yates hung to the colors, and 
when one of the guard sprang to snatch them from him to save them 
from capture, he was compelled to tear them from the Sergeant's hands. 
And when the rebels took the bleeding and dying Sergeant, they found him 
clinging to a fragment of the old flag dripping in his own blood. He was 
paroled at once, and died in Annapolis, Md., October 26th. 

It was a sad sight to look upon the colors after the fight, and when on 
our next inspection, the day after the charge, they were brought out, and 
only one line officer, and he a First Lieutenant, it made my heart grow sad. 
The question would arise. Where are the rest? Sleeping beneath the sod, 
or scattered in hospitals suffering from wounds? The regiment is now 
commanded by a First Lieutenant. The only officers we have present for 
duty, aside from the one just referred to, are a Second Lieutenant (act- 
ing Adjutant), knd myself. I am now the only officer belonging to Com- 
pany G. My Captain, 0. F. Rudd, died of wounds; the two Lieutenants 
are discharged, one by reason of expiration of term of service, the other 
on surgeon's certificate of disability. There are no other Illinois regi- 



THE ENEMY'S GUNBOATS. 



227 



ments in this Department; we are all alone and a long way from home; 
and although we are the sole representative of the Prairie State, we have 
ever endeavored to acquit ourselves like men and not bring dishonor upon 
her fair name. 

January 28th, 1865: Everything in our front remains quiet at pres- 
ent, although on the 24th all was excitement and a desperate struggle was 
expected. Three rebel rams, the " Drury," *' Virginia," and " Richmond," 
came down the river with the intention of breaking our pontoons and 













yi.t^>>f' 



<^ r.^'te— 



The Assault. 



destroying our stores at City Point. Having cut our communications, 
their army in our front was to come down upon us and captio-e us, i. e.. if 
they could. This was the movement which General Lee had intimated, 
when made, would " startle the world." By the interference of Providence 
and our heavy Parrott guns their scheme was thwarted. The " Drury " was 
blown up by a shot from our land battery. The other two got aground 
and had to remain there under the fire of our batteries until high-tide, 
when they succeeded in getting off and putting back. The " Drury " went 



228 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

to the bottom. The failure of this part of the game, of course compelled 
the abandonment of the other. 

It has been reported that Semmes, of " piratical fame," had charge 
of the naval part of the programme. 

General David B. Biruey, commanding the Tenth Corps, 
was sick at the date of this battle (the 13th), and the Corps 
was in command of Brigadier-General Alfred H. Terry, the 
First Division being temporarily in command of Brigadier- 
General Ames, and our brigade was commanded by Colonel 
A. C. Voris of the Sixty- Seventh Ohio Volunteers. 

At a regimental re-union held at Marseilles, 111., Feb- 
ruary 4th, 1885, Sergeant D. H. Slagle, Company K, made 
the following remarks in relation to this battle: 

At two o'clock P.M. we are in front of the enemy's works at Darby- 
town Cross-roads. Our regiment and brigade are deployed in close column 
by division; the order comes down the line to charge! You all recall that 
terrific yell, as we made the assault through the brush, the air seeming filled 
with whizzing bullets, the scream of solid shot and shell, the rattle and 
sweep of grape and canister through our ranks. Comrades fell on our right 
and on our left; we find the "Johnnies" too many. Their force behind 
protected works outnumbers ours two to one. The old brigade find they 
cannot take the works this time, and are compelled to fall back and re-form 
their line. That day myself and many others were wounded and made 
prisoners at the "abattis " of their fort. Our killed were quickly despoiled 
of their clothing by the enemy; the wounded are quickly hustled away by 
their ambulance corps at early moonlight, and that autumn evening finds 
us landed in Castle Thunder at Richmond. 

Our re-unions are to recall the unwritten incidents of our active ser- 
vice; to mention the valor of those that bravely fell on the field of battle, 
some of whom are sleeping in unmarked graves, 

" Far from their own proud land's heroic soil, 
Which should be their fitter tomb! " . 

Color-Sergeant George W. Yates, Company A, who sleeps in the cem- 
etery near by, that day received his fatal wounds and was made prisoner. 
I was transferred in the same ambulance with him on to Richmond; blood 
from his wounds trickling along the pike the entire distance from Darby- 
town battlefield to the city, he having received four severe wounds that 
proved fatal a few days after our parole and arrival at Annapolis, Md. 

You will recollect that just before the order came to make the assault 
our mail arrived and was distributed. Company A was on the skirmish 



DEATH OF WILDER AND STEELE. 229 

line; their letters had been handed to Sergeant Yates, of the color-guard, 
who placed them in his left breast coat-pocket. In the assault he received 
a bullet which pierced those letters and also his watch, and penetrated his 
side, the letters turning the bullet from the heart. The next day I noticed 
those letters saturated with blood, and I have often wondered if they ever 
reached the parties to whom they were addressed, or whether the writers 
ever knew that their letters had helped to turn a rebel bullet from the heart 
and for a brief period spared the life of one of our brave men. 

In that charge the Thirty-Ninth lost one-third of the number engaged. 
There Lieutenant Wilder, of Company H, fell; also Sergeant William E. 
Steele of Company E. The latter fell near me. A bullet struck him in the 
center of the forehead, and when he fell on their works he retained a firm 
grip of his musket at " charge bayonet," with his eyes firmly set on the 
enemy — dying in the perfect attitude of a brave and fearless volunteer sol- 
dier yielding up his life in the defense of and for the perpetuation of the 
Union. 

The writer's experiences at this battle were unusually 
disagreeable. On the Ttli he had established a hospital at 
Temple Hall church, about one mile in advance of the Tenth 
Corps field hospital, which was located at Chapin's farm, in 
charge of Surgeon S. W. Richardson, Seventh New Hamp- 
shire Volunteers. On the morning of the 13th, he with 
other surgeons of the First Division of the Tenth Corps was 
ordered by the Medical Director to take the field and follow 
the command, with strict orders to keep within three hun-, 
dred yards of the line of battle. "When the First Brigade 
were preparing and forming to assault the rebel redoubt, he 
took position behind a corn-crib in the yard of the Gerault 
house. As the brigade advanced, there was a painful hush, 
like that of an audience awaiting some terrible denouement. 
Then came the roar and rattle of guns and a rain of shell 
and grape-shot in a most careless manner, shattering the old 
crib and scattering splinters and debris in all directions. 
One ambulance horse was killed and the driver wounded, 
and much other damage done. The wounded soon came 
back in numbers, and among them Captain George Heritage, 
Company B. Finding our position untenable, we felt justi- 
fied in transfirressing: orders and removed to the left and 



230 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



rear inside an old earthwork, where at last we could give 
our undivided attention to our work without fear of being 
either lulled or wounded. The wounded, as fast as they 
were temporarily dressed, were sent back to the corps hos- 
pital some three miles distant. At about four o'clock p.m. 
our troops fell back, and having sent all the wounded to the 
rear, the surgeons retired to the corps hospital. On the 
way back the writer met Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Pineo, 
Medical Inspector, Army of the James, who said, "Doctor, 
you have anticipated my wishes, for I have already sent an 




COUNTING THE SCARS IN THE COLORS. 



order for you to report to the operating theater, where your 
services are much needed; and," he continued, "I shall 
make it my first duty to inquire if surgeons are to be com- 
pelled to stand as targets on the field of battle, or be placed 
in a position where they can do some good." 

Captain Heritage had received two wounds, one a slight 
flesh-wound of the side, the other more serious, the ball 
entering at the outer border of the left scapula, passing 
through to the left shoulder, where it lodged and was cut 
out. In its passage it had struck the spinal column slightly, 



THE GERAULT FAMILY. 231 

and to-day Captain Heritage is much disabled from the 
results of that wound, suffering attacks of epilepsy. 

Lieutenant Nathan E. Davis, Company E, had received 
a ball in the right shoulder joint, destroying the head of 
bone and a portion of its shaft, so that resection of the joint 
with removal of four inches of the humerus was necessary. 
He was sent to Chesapeake hospital, where hospital gan- 
grene attacked the wound, and by reason of having been in 
poor health at the time he was Avounded, he soon died from 
blood-poisoning. 

James G. Hamilton, Company G, was so badly wounded 
that amputation of the leg was required. 

George Howell, Company E, and John Larkins, Com- 
pany C, each suffered the loss of an arm. 

William H. Jenkins, Company C, received a wound of 
the thigh which two years later required amputation. 

Lieutenant Charles J. Wilder, Coiupany H, was killed. 

The loss in this assault was fifteen officers and men 
killed, and forty-seven officers and men wounded and taken 
prisoner. The losses to the regiment on the Ttli of October 
had been one m^n killed, fourteen wounded, and one taken 
prisoner. Among the wounded was E. J. Thayer, Company 
D, who received severe wounds in both legs. The main 
strength of the regiment present after this battle was less 
than three hundred men, and there were but three officers 
left to command them — one Captain and two Lieutenants. 

There is one incident connected with this battle that 
Avill bear relating. While the doctors were located back of 
the corn-crib, near the house before mentioned, there was 
great consternation and excitement reigning therein. It 
was occupied by a German family, consisting of man, wife 
and child, named Gerault. We found them huddled together 
in a room that they had fortified by placing barrels and 
sacks of potatoes and furniture around the exposed sides. 
As the battle waxed warmer and the shells and bullets 



232 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

screamed and whistled loud and fast, the woman and child 
took refuge under a big feather bed, on the floor, and it is 
presumed that she thought herself and child safe from harm. 
But alas! a shell exploded directly over the house and the 
fragments penetrated to the room, scattering feathers in all 
directions and severely wounding the woman in the leg so 
that amputation of the member became necessary back at the 
hospital, which was performed by Surgeon M. S. Kittinger, 
One Hundredth New York Volunteers, assisted by Miss 
Clara Barton. In conversation with the woman shortly 
afterwards, she seemed to deplore the loss of her feather 
bed more than the loss of her leg. 

Miss Clara Barton was present at the corps hospital at 
this time and rendered most effective and gratefiil service in 
ministrations to the wounded both day and night. She was 
a "Florence Nightingale" in her devotion to the sick, 
wounded and dying that came and went from that hosintal 
during the folloAving winter. She was placed in charge of 
the "light diet department," and furnished with untiring 
zeal delicacies and appetizing dishes for the many sick. 
She only left us when we were again ordered to advance 
"On to Richmond." After these many years, her memory 
is still fresh and green with us: and we wish her God- 
speed in her philanthropic mission as President of the 
"Red Cross" Association of America. 

The last of our wounded was sent away on tlie after- 
noon of October 14th, when the writer returned to his old 
quarters at Temple Hall church. 

On the morning of October 15th the surgeons and 
attendants at the church suffered a big scare — in fact, 
became somewhat demoralized for the time. 

Several companies of Kantz's cavalry who were on 
picket duty in our front, came flying back in the greatest 
excitement and disorder and cried out to us, " The rebels 
are coming!" and from appearances we thought it must be a 




COLLECTING THE WOUNDED. 



DEATH OB' GEN. BIRNEY. 233 

fact, and at once prepared to vacate. Looking up tlie road 
towards the front could be seen a mass of disordered and 
tangled-up cavalry in a wild stampede; some horses were 
riderless, with saddles turned and the stirrups swinging 
and flapping about, which served to increase their speed. 
Troopers, hatless, with hair flying, rushed frantically by, 
whooping and cursing; scabbards and canteens swinging 
and clanging amid the clatter of hoofs, made up the scene 
of a most disgraceful rout. There seemingly was no one to 
command, and the horses were as frantic as the riders. 
Hospital Steward DeNormandie of the Thirty-Ninth, with 
his assistants, soon had our e(piipment aboard the Avagou, 
and the six-mule team in place, and speedily joined in the 
retreat, the surgeons bringing up the rear. We had not 
proceeded more than twenty rods, however, when an ofiicer 
made his appearance and succeeded in checking the retreat- 
ing cavalry. 

It seems that the enemy in considerable force had made 
a sudden and unexpected attack on that })ortion of our line 
guarded by Kantz's cavalry, and had routed them and 
created a panic. ^ The First Division, Tenth Corps, were soon 
in line, however, and turned the rebels back with some con- 
siderable loss. On visiting the scene of the attack soon 
after we found a large number of dead rebels lying promis- 
cuously around. 

On the 18th we heard of the death of our corps com- 
mander. General David B. Birney, avIio was a brave and 
efficient officer, and his loss was deeply felt and was deemed 
irreparable. General Terry, who had previously commanded 
the corps during the illness of Birney, now succeeded to the 
full command. 

October 20th, the Avriter was permanently detailed to 
the flying hospital of the Tenth Corjis as chief operating 
surgeon, and was succeeded by Surgeon Samuel Kurtz, 
Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania, as brigade surgeon. He there- 



234 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

fore took up quarters at the corps hospital located at Cha- 
pin's farm. On the evening of this day, the corps celebrated 
another victory of Sheridan's in the valley of Virginia, and 
salvo after salvo of artillery at our front proclaimed or 
emphasized the fact to the rebels opposite. 

October 25th a grand review of the Tenth Corps took 
place on a broad " plateau " near the hospital. President 
Lincoln, Secretary Stanton, Secretary Fessenden, Surgeon- 
General Barnes and many other notables from Washington 
were present to witness the "fighting stock" of the "Army 
of the James." The old corps never appeared to greater 
advantage, and everything passed off creditably. Our divi- 
sion had been almost decimated and did not present the 
same appearance as regards numbers that it did when the 
President last reviewed us, some six months previous. The 
Thirty-Ninth at this time numbered only two hundred and 
twenty -five men for duty and had but two commissioned 
ofiicers with it, aside from the medical staff. 

October '26th, orders were received to prepare for 
an advance which was to commence in the early morning, 
and there was every j^rospect for more bloody work. The 
following morning, October 27th, the corps advanced to the 
front again, near the scene of the late engagement on the 
13th of October, where they met the enemy, and for two 
days more or less fighting was done. The Thirty-Ninth 
were not at this time compelled to take a very active part, 
and hence the losses during these days to the regiment 
were small. The corps suffered to the extent of some four 
hundred officers and men, three hundred and eleven of whom 
were brought back to the hospital, and the number of severe 
and serious casualties was greater than in any other fight of 
this campaign. Out of this number it was necessary to per- 
form ninety capital amputations and twenty-three excisions 
of bone, chiefly of the femur and humerus and the inferior 
maxillary. 



WINTER QUARTERS. 



235 



After this battle a large number of deserved promotions 
were made for brave and gallant conduct on the field. Among 
these was our friend Colonel N. M. Curtis, of the One Hun- 
dred and Forty-Second New York Volunteers, who was in 
command of a brigade at the time. The Colonel took the 
field when he was scarcely able to stand from illness, and, 
strange to say, was knocked down four different times on the 
27th by spent balls. His escape from death was simply 
among the greatest of marvels. 

At this time there seemed to be a general cessation of 
operations at our front, and the whole army prepared to 




Winter Quarteks at Ohapin's Farm. 

go into winter quarters. Pleasant camps were selected near 
our line of works, which were very heavy and complete, and 
the men, when off duty, went vigorously to work in erecting 
log houses. Timber Avas cut and hauled to the ground, and 
layer after layer of logs arose until the desired height was 
obtained, and then was covered with their shelter tents or 
boughs from the pines. The interstices between the logs 
were filled in with clay ; the door hung with leather hinges, 
or, if possible, with stronger ones from the doors of the many 
vacant houses in the vicinity ; and the same source supplied 
the necessary window-sash for the soldier's dwelling. The 



236 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



huts or cottages were arranged in conformity to army regu- 
lations and presented a very interesting appearance. The 
men built like structures for some of the officers, and the 
regimental medical officers were thus favored. Each little 
building was furnished with a fireplace or else a sheet-iron 
stove, and many of these buildings were very cosy and com- 
fortable. 

The headquarters of the brigade and division were under 
canvas shelters, but with good frames of timber to support 
them in lieu of poles, and besides had good flooring. 

The Thirty-Ninth's band, which had a position at 




Officebs' Quabtebs, Chapin's Faem. 



brigade headquarters, were prolific in putting up shelters 
and digging welts, and theirs were among the best. 

About this time (October 31st) General Butler left his 
command for a few days' recreation at Fort Monroe, leaving 
it in charge of General Terry. 

Butler was quite popular with his command, winning 
our respect and confidence by unwearied attention to the 
details that make up the sum of a soldier's comfort. He was 
better at planning than executing, yet his record in this 
capacity will compare well with that of other Generals who 
were placed in the same position. He was no friend to those 



GEN. BUTLER'S ORDERS. 237 

who did not perform their duty in all and every respect, as 
the following orders will show, which Ave have copied for 
insertion in order to exhibit the character of the man : 

Headquabters 
Depaetment of Vieginia and Noeth Cabolina, 
Akmy of the James. 
In the Field, Va., October 29th, 1S64. 

ORDERS. 

It having been certified to me by Colonel Abbott, commanding Seventh 
New Hampshire Volunteers; Brigadier-General Hawley, commanding Bri- 
gade; Brigadier-General Ames, commanding Division; and Major-General 
Terry, commanding Tenth Army Corps, that Captain Joseph E. Clifford 
has tendered his resignation in the face of the enemy, and that he is guilty 
of " skulking " in the face of the enemy, and of absence without leave, he 
is hereby dishonorably dismissed the service of the United States, with 
forfeiture of all pay and allowances. 

II. — Citizen Joseph E. Clifford, having declared that he desired to 
get out of the service, and was bound to do so. either honorably or dis- 
honorably, is hereby ordered to be set at work under the charge of the 
superintendent of prison labor at Norfolk. 

By command of Maj-Gen'l Butler. 

Ed. W. Smith, A, A. GenH. 

ORDERS. 
Special Orders, No. 372: 

III. — David B. White, late Major of the Eighty-First New York Volun- 
teers, who has left the service, cannot be elected as sutler in this Depart- 
ment. Field oflScers leaving the service voluntarily cannot take the place 
of boot-blacks here. If they have no more respect for the service which 
they have left, they will find that ofiicers here have. David B. White will 
at once leave the Department. 

By command of Maj-Gen'l Butler. 

{Official.) Ed. W. Smith, A. A. GeiiH. 

Other orders of a like nature could be given, but the 
foregoing will sulfice. 

Matters remained quiet at the front during the mouths 
of November and December, with the exception of some 
artillery practice occasionally, and now and then a little 
musket firing. Colonel Osborn returned to the front during 
the month of November, after a " leave of absence " home, 
and was soon placed in command of the First Brigade of the 
First Division. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



Organizing the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps — The Twenty-Fifth and Part 
of the Twenty-Fourth Corps go to Fort Fisher — The Field Hospital 
at Chap^n's Farm — Medical Examining Board — Malingerers, and 
How Treated — Christmas Eve — Music by the Band — Egg-Nog, Etc. 
— Dutch Gap Canal — Victory Everywhere — Visitors — Ed Conley's 
Version of a Serenade Aboard the " Hunchback;" and How it Termin- 
ated — Surgery on a Horse — Deserters — Shooting Deserters — Sad and 
Shocking Scene. 



"TN December the work of re-organizing the Tenth and 
Eighteenth Corps was commenced, conformably to the 
following order: 

Wab Department. 
Adjutant-Genebal's Office. 

Washington, December 3d, 1864. 
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 297. 
By direction of the President of the United States, the following 
changes will be made in the organization of the " Army of the James." 

I. The Tenth and Eighteenth Corps will be discontinued. 

II. The white infantry troops of the Tenth and Eighteenth Army 
Corps, now with the Army of the James, will be consolidated under the 
direction of the Major-General commanding the Department of Virginia 
and North Carolina, and will constitute a new corps, to be called the 
Twenty-Fourth Corps. 

III. The colored troops of the Department of Virginia and North 
Carolina will be organized into a new corps, to be called the Twenty-Fifth 
Corps. 

IV. The present corps staff and the artillery of the Eighteenth Corps 
will be transferred to the Twenty-Fourth, and the present corps stafif and 
artillery of the Tenth to the Twenty-Fifth Corps. 

V. Major-General E. 0. C. Ord is assigned to the command of the 
Twenty-Fourth Corps, and General Godfrey Weitzel to the command of 
the Twenty-Fifth Corps. 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. Townsend, Asst. Adft-General. 
238 



FIELD HOSPITAL AT CHAPIN'S FARM. 239 

December 3cl, the Twenty-Fifth Corps was ordered 
away, and also a portion of the Twenty-Fourth Corps. The 
surmise was that they were going to aid Slierman, but their 
destination proyed to be Fort Fisher; and on January 15th, 
1865, we had the pleasure of knowing that the expedition 
had been successful — the fort haying yielded to our old 
commander, General Alfred H. Terry, and Admiral Porter, 
but not without seyere loss, the casualties amounting to 
some nine hundred. The loss in the land force under Terry 
amounted to six hundred and ninety-one; the Nayy losing a 
little more than two hundred in killed and wounded. 

Three of our best and most actiye surgeons lost their 
lives by disease contracted during the operations against 
Fort Fisher. They were Surgeon A. J. H. Buzzell of the 
Third New Hamjjshire, acting Chief Medical Officer of 
Division; Surgeon Palmer of the Fourth New Hampshire; 
and Surgeon Washburne of the One Hundred and Twelfth 
New York Volunteers. 

Our winter quarters were fully completed at this time, 
and we commenced a life of partial hibernation. Even at 
the field hospital- we had completed a system of permanent 
wards for the sick, constructed of pine posts set upright in 
the ground and covered with hospital tent-fiies. Three 
wards, each a hundred feet in length by twenty-five feet 
wide, were constructed on this plan, while hospital tents 
joined together and supported by inside frames made two 
other wards for surgical cases. The small-pox hospital 
consisted of a single hospital tent which was located a hun- 
dred yards in the rear. Walks were laid, evergreens 
planted, and everything was done to embellish and add 
comfort. At the front we had erected a large fiag-statf 
which flaunted the hospital flag and could be seen from all 
the camps. 

A medical examining board had been instituted, con- 
sisting of the chief medical officers at the hospital, Avliich 



240 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, 

met ill session each week for the purpose of examining all 
applicants for furlough or discharge from service, as well as 
those presenting for the position of assistant surgeon. 

Our work on the board was decidedly heavy and lively, 
for a large number of both officers and men were making 
applications for either a "leave of absence" or a discharge 
from the service by reason of disability. We are sorry to 
say that many presented who had not the least claim to this 
indulgence, and they were sent back to camp, "disapproved." 

A large number of men who had been drafted and for- 
warded to our corps gave us more trouble and annoyance 
than all the old soldiers put together. Men were drafted in 
New York city who had but lately landed from emigrant- 
ships, and pushed forward to the front. They, on reaching 
the army, would malinger and feign all sorts of disorders. 

We remember meeting with two persons of this class 
who were sent to the hospital for examination. They both 
claimed to suffer from acute rheumatism, and had suffered 
for years with the complaint until their limbs had been con- 
tracted. They were brought in an ambulance to the hospital 
and placed in bed. On examination day they were conveyed 
on stretchers to our room, and a thorough investigation was 
made. Both protested that they could not walk by reason 
of the contraction of tendons and muscles, and in fact our 
efforts to bring the limbs into normal position caused a great 
outcry. We placed them on a table and administered chloro- 
form, when lo and behold! they each, during the exciting 
stage of the drug, moved their limbs as vigorously and with 
as much suppleness as we could wish to see. After they had 
regained consciousness their limbs relapsed back to the 
former condition with a power of will that was astonishing. 
We all agreed in pronouncing them a fraud, and so told 
them; but instead of confessing, they persistently clung to 
the falsehood they had agreed upon. 

We had a summary way of punishing this class. They 



HOW FRAUDS WERE TREATED. 241 

Avere told to get up and proceed to their regiment; and call- 
ing two men of the guard to take position behind them with 
fixed bayonets, with orders to march at a "charge bayonet," 
and if the villains faltered, to run them through, they were 
told to Forward, march! and they finally concluded to go 
nimbly to camp. 

One other case of this character we will mention. A 
man from a New York regiment had been lying in hospital 
for some weeks with what he termed " hip-joint disease." 
During a meeting of the "board"' he was brought in for 
examination, and was accompanied by the assistant surgeon 
in charge of the ward, who stated that the man had been 
under treatment there for some weeks, and after doing all 
that he could for him, there was no improvement in his case. 
The assistant also stated that he had carefully watched the 
man, and had noticed him at times walking naturally, when 
he thought himself unobserved. Each of the four surgeons 
constituting the examining board gave his opinion, after a 
full and free examination, and we all concurred in pronounc- 
ing the case one of fraud. Chloroform was administered, 
and the limb put through all its motions and examined 
thoroughly, and we were more fully convinced that he was 
malingering. We told him our conviction, but he stoutly 
maintained that he was an invalid. 

The steward of the hospital was called and directed to 
place two irons or pokers in the fire, and we would soon cure 
the man. He watched the irons until they assumed a white 
heat, and was ordered to uncover the hip, which he did 
without any protest, and then, one after the other, the burn- 
ing irons were applied over the hip-joint. He made no 
exclamation until the third application, when he confessed 
that he had been "playing off" on the doctors, and if we 
would let him go he would never do so again. AVe kept the 
man in hospital until he recovered from the cautery, and 



242 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

then sent liim to his company, where he proved a good soklier 
afterwards. 

December 24th, the band of the Thirty-Ninth came to the 
hospital in the evening chaperoned by the hospital steward, 
Anthony De Normandie. After some music in front of our 
headquarters, we showed them the way to the quarters of 
Miss Barton, where several pieces were played, and at last 
we were invited in to take a little milk-punch, provided for 
us, together with a "Christmas eve" collation. After doing 
the "nice thing" by the band we returned to the writer's 
quarters, where we found the band of the Eighth Connecticut, 
who had also come down for a little stimulation. In pro- 
ceeding farther we met with General Osborn and his acting 
Assistant-Adjutant-General, Capteiin Nevins, and at once 
ordered in egg-nog, for this was possible, as we had a large 
number of hens connected with the hospital and belonging 
to Surgeon Kichardson. The affair was enjoyed amazingly, 
and the "wee sma' hours" approached before we were per- 
mitted to go to bed. 

The Thirty-Ninth and the Eighth Connecticut bands 
took turns in giving us music, and when invited inside were 
as zealous in appropriating "something to wet their lips.'' 
The whisky was bought from the division commissary, and 
how they ever got home was a "nine days' wonder" to us. 

Before leaving, the bands got considerably mixed, and 
in playing their "finale" it was impossible to state whether 
it was "Schubert's Serenade," the "Mocking Bird," or the 
"Volunteer's Eeturn." However, they did their best, and 
we have never yet seen members of a band who could not 
keep their legs, and the necessary " pucker" of lip. 

During the winter, although a most ominous quiet had 
been observed at the front, the men were detailed to go out 
on picket duty at the front and at the rear near where a cut 
was being made which would save some six miles journey by 
river, and was known as the "Dutch Gap Canal" of General 



DEFEAT OF REBEL GUNBOATS. 243 

Butler. The meu at work on this canal were continually 
harrassecl by the shot and shell of the enemy from the How- 
lett House battery, and they had the range so completely 
that it was dangerous to work at any time. The details that 
were sent there excavated pits in the embankment where 
they were comparatively safe during a bombardment from 
the battery. 

The canal was finally completed, with the loss of many 
a good man, and had, up to this time, been of no particular 
benefit, and we counted it as so much lost time. 

January 2tl:th we were awakened by the heavy booming 




Battekt at Dutch Gap. 



of cannon, and at each discharge of the heavy guns our room 
fairly quivered and the window-sashes seemed to have the 
ague. On getting out of bed in the early morning the can- 
nonading was still in progress and continued for perhaps an 
hour in great fury. 

The occasion was the appearance of the enemy's gun- 
boats. The result was, the destruction of one rebel ram, and 
two others ran aground in attempting to get down the river 
to "Dutch Gap Canal," and they, before getting oif, were 
severely injured. 



244 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



In the early part of February we received some visitors 
from tlie North. Amon^ them was Joseph A. Cutler, our 
former quartermaster, and a Mr. Garrison from Chicago, 
who had come down on a semi-political mission pertaining 
to the promotion and commissioning of several officers. 

February 11th Mr. Garrison took his departure for 
Washington via Norfolk to see Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, 
and was accompanied to the landing by several officers, 
including General Osborn, who was to accompany him to 
Norfolk on a few days "leave of absence." The regimental 
band had preceded the party and met them at the boat. 




Gen. Butler's Headquaeteks — Dutch Gap. 



In this connection is mentioned a little incident that 
happened during the evening on board the gunboat "Hunch- 
back," where the band, Surgeon Clark and Dr. Woodward 
had been invited. The following version of the afPair from 
the pen of Edward Conley, a former member of the band 
from Wilmington, 111., and who was the editor of the 
Wilmington Advocate, but now of the Joliet Signal, is 
inserted: 

On the evening of February 11th the band proceeded on foot from 
the brigade encampment on the New Market road, near the outer defenses 
of Riohmond, to the " landing " at Deep Bottom — about four miles distant, 
— with a view of visiting the medical purveyor (Dr. Woodward, of the 
Thirty-Ninth), and his barges on the James river, and of seeing Colonel 



SERENADE ON THE "HUNCHBACK.'' 245 

Osborn and his Chicago guest off to Norfolk on the steamer " Thomas 
Powell."' On arriving we gave some music, and as soon as the " Powell " 
departed we descended the hatches of the purveyor's barge, where a genial 
and hospitable circle, including Surgeon Clark, greeted us. The evening 
passed with vocal and instrumental music, pleasant repartee and general 
hilarity; all, however, within the bounds of decorum. 

At about eleven o'clock a signal lantern appeared on the "Hunch- 
back,"' a " double-ender " gunboat lying off a hundred rods distant, guard- 
ing the approaches to "Four Mile Eun," and forming the extreme right of 
the Union lines, at that time. To be brief, our band and the officers were 
invited on board; and having accepted the courtesy, were conveyed to the 
vessel in a cutter and the captain's gig, — the former for the band and the 
latter for the " shoulder-straps." 

The crew were in their hammocks and asleep, but not so the com- 
mander. Captain Fyfe, a splendid specimen of humanity, six feet in his 
stockings, if an inch — a handsome, swarthy, robust, dare-devil sea-captain 
of the regular service. 

The officers of the vessel had now assembled in the cabin, and the 
immediate programme may be easily guessed. Music, wine and song 
ruled the hour; there was indeed "a sound of revelry by night." 

Captain Fyfe felt "mellow," and hurled his jokes at the volunteer 
service generally; as though volunteers on land or sea were a sort of non- 
descrijDt when compared with " regulars." 

The band, being his guests, threw aside rigid formality, and parried 
his thrusts freely; in fact, all in the cabin appeared to have ignored or 
forgotten the existence of such a thing as rxink for the time. 

Suddenly a gong sounded, and all hands beat to quarters. The men 
sprang from their hammocks and rushed to their respective posts, armed 
for action, in a moment of time. We " land-lubbers " thought that an attack 
had certainly been made on the line, not having noticed the captain serce^/i/ 
and quietly giving the command to "beat to quarters" a few minutes 
previously. 

We were assigned a place on the larboard bow; while a platoon of 
sailors with cutlasses lined the starboard wheel-house and gunwales, sup- 
ported by a platoon of musketeers in the rear. 

Captain Fyfe, jolly enough, raised his trumpet to his lips and gave 
the command, "Repel boarders!" which rang out on the frosty midnight 
air like a clarion; then in succession came the commands, "Fire!" "Board 
with cheers!!" At the second command a volley of musketry shook the 
vessel, and the report resounded for miles around, through Federal and 
rebel camps alike. The next command was heartily responded to by the 
jolly tars with echoing and re-echoing cheers. It was with difficulty that 
the captain was restrained by Dr. Clark from firing his heavy broadside 
Dahlgren guns. 

The band looked on in amazement, just realizing the fact that all 



246 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

these noisy and alarming proceedings with an imaginary rebel craft were 
for our surprise and entertainment. 

Soon the ship was hailed from the shore and a cutter came alongside 
conveying an aid from General Weitzel, commanding all the forces in that 
vicinity. The officer stepped on deck and said: 

"The Major-General commanding sends his compliments to Captain 
Fyfe, and desires to know the cause of this alarm and firing." 

" Captain Fyfe responded: '' Give General Weitzel my compliments; 
tell him I'm at the top of my profession, and have such a lot of d — d green 
Ohio volunteer recruits on this vessel that I sometimes have to drill 'em all 
night; also say to your superior officer that I have instructions from the 
Navy Department to drill my men whenever I choose, and d — n me if I 
don't do it! Good morning, sir." 

Our band boys saw the " situation " at once and took leave of Cap- 
tain Fyfe for the shore, where we felt safer, and soon were toddling back 
to camp over four miles of corduroy road, and reached our bunks just 
before sunrise. The following day the New York papers reported " heavy 
firing was heard last night near Deep Bottom. Troops were put in the 
trenches and awaited an attack until daylight." 

The afifair was signalled and telegraphed to General Grant's head- 
quarters at City Point, and we afterwards learned that Captain Fyfe was 
arrested, tried by court-martial, and finally sent with the " Hunchback " 
out of the James to the coast of Hatteras, with loss of pay for six months. 

So much for the spree and Captain Fyfe's entertainment of the 
Thirty-Ninth band. 

The boys often chuckle over the sensation of which they were the 
authors. 

February 19tli, we at the hospital, not having much to 
do except making " sectio cadaveris" of the dead who were 
brought to us with a new malady called " spotted fever," 
which takes men off suddenly, turned our attention to remov- 
ing a bullet from the hip of Surgeon Richardson's horse 
where it had remained since May 16th, 1864. The horse 
was cast and the bullet removed, and it is presumed that 
the poor brute felt grateful. 

During the evening a large body of *' rebels " came 
within our lines, consisting of two colonels, six captains, and 
two hundred and fifty enlisted men. They all deserted in a 
body. They expressed themselves as having no confidence 
in the* success of their arms; that the Confederacy was built 
upon sand, and the tidal-wave that Grant and Sherman 



EXECUTION OF A DESERTER. 947 

were sending was fast crumbling the whole fabric of their 
superstructure, 

February 21st, official news came of the occupation by 
our forces of Branchville, Columbia and Charleston, S. C, 
and at twelve o'clock one hundred guns were fired along o^^r 
lines. The Kichmond papers of that date acknowledged the 
fact of the surrender of these places, and they seemed to 
know that the "bogus Confederacy" was fast falling. 

Day after day succeeded with unvarying uniformity — 
the same duties to be performed at the front, in camp, and 
elsewhere. In fact, life was monotonous, and we all wanted 
a change. To be sure there was novelty enough in the 
varied circumstances that were daily occurring to keep us 
from brooding, but we were in haste for active service to 
commence that we might finish the work so near completion 
and return to our homes. 

During the long winter in camp we had been comfort- 
ably housed and provided for. The daily routine of duty 
was made as pleasant as possible, and there was ample time 
and opportunity for amusements and social interchanges, 
and we made many valuable friendships Avith officers and 
enlisted men from all parts of the Union. The paymaster 
did not forget us, and came regularly through the winter 
bringing the "promises to pay" of "Uncle Sam," and his 
arrival was always the anticipated event of all, the sutler 
especially. After pay day, old scores were settled, furloughs 
applied for and granted, and games of " draw poker," " seven 
up," etc., indulged in by many without limit, and " every- 
thing was lovely " for a short time. 

March 11th, the division was again called out to witness 
the execution of a soldier who had been guilty of deserting 
to the enemy. He had been tried, found guilty, and was 
sentenced to be shot to death with musketry. The day 
previous two others had been shot for a like offense, and 
others were yet to follow if they were not pardoned. 



248 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

The division was formed in liollow square, and in one 
corner a grave was dug and a coffin placed near it. After 
all was in readiness the man, who belonged to a New York 
regiment — a bounty-jumper and a most reckless piece of 
humanity — was brought forward and commanded to kneel 
on his coffin. After his arms had been secured and his eyes 
bandaged, a firing party consisting of tAventy-four men in 
two platoons was marched up to within six paces of the 
victim, and when the signal was given by the command- 
ing General, the officer in command of the firing party 
gaA^e the order. First platoon! make ready! aim! fire!! and 
twelve muskets belched forth a volley that completely 
riddled the man. Dr. Barlow, Sixty-Second Ohio, and Dr. 
Clark stood within three paces of him, and when the orders 
were given we watched the man closely, but not the least 
tremor or motion could be detected except the nervous 
twitching of some of the facial muscles. 

Immediately after the volley the surgeons went to the 
man, or rather the corpse, to see if life were extinct. The 
firing party had done their work well. We found that nine 
bullets had penetrated the body — two through the heart; 
six within a circumference of four inches of it; and one 
through the brain. When the volley was fired the man 
jumped up and backward at least four feet. If the volley 
that was fired had not done the work, the other platoon 
behind would have finished it, as was necessary on the day 
previous when the two that we have mentioned were exe- 
cuted. One of the men was killed, the other only wounded, 
and it was necessary to put liim in position again. 

We have often tried to conjecture what the feelings of 
that man were when he was made to kneel on the coffin that 
was to enclose him, and near the grave that was to contain 
him, and especially when he heard the sharp and decisive 
commands that were so soon to send him on his last journey. 
They must have been terrible beyond expression. 










2. General Q. A. GILMORE. 
5. General JAMES SHIELDS. 



1. General U. S. GRANT. 
3. General S. R. CURTIS. 
6. Col. JOSHUA B. HOWELL. 



4. General GEO. C. STRONG. 
7. General DAVID HUNTER. 



CHAPTEE XYIII. 



Another Review by General Grant and Ladies — General Grant at the 
Hospital — How he Looked — Still Another Review — Feeling Like 
"Green Bay Trees" — Orders to Prepare to Move — A Clearing Out — 
General Sheridan Arrives — March All Night — Major Plimpton's 
Description of Movements and Battles from March 27th to April 
9th — General Osborn's Official Report — Something A.bout the Doctors 
— Statistics — Ride Into Petersburg — Negroes and Massa Linkum — 
Forward to Appomattox — The Surrender — ^Yar Practically Ended — 
Visit the Rebel Camp — Osborn Gets a Horse — Relic-Hunters — 
General Lee Departs — His Last Order. 



"A /r ARCH 12th, 1865, the First and Second Divisions of the 
TwentY-Fourth Army Corps, under the command of 
General John Gibbons, the only representatires of the Corps 
in the Army of the James, were reviewed by General Grant. 
A large number of ladies in carriages were present; also 
many notables from Washington. 

General Grant had a numerous and brilliant staff with 
him ; the day was fine and the troops were in excellent spirits 
and trim. Our brigade, in command of Brevet Brigadier- 
General Osborn, elicited much admiration for their soldierly 
bearing and behavior, and was commented upon much to its 
advantage. The balance of the division appeared fully as 
well and the occasion was one of satisfaction to all con- 
cerned. 

March 17th General Grant and staff, on their way to the 
front, stopped at the hospital. The General dismounted and 
came forward unattended and was met by the writer. He 
stated that he wished to write some dispatches and requested 
the favor of using the desk for the purpose. He remained 

241) 



250 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

for nearly half an liour, writing several orders, and after 
inquiring for the nearest telegraph station took his departure. 
While he was seated at the desk we had an excellent oppor- 
tunity to observe the Commander-in-chief of the armies of 
the United States. He wore his uniform coat unbuttoned; a 
slouch hat encircled with a gilt cord; but had no sash or 
sword on his person. He was not arrogant, conceited or at 
all formal in speech or manner; and to one ignorant as to 
who he was and the position he occupied, and not bearing 
the insignia of his rank, he would have passed for some 
ordinary mortal connected perhaps Avitli the commissary or 
quartermaster's department. His face wore a look of anxiety, 




Chapin's Bluff, Va. 

but withal there was an expression of satisfaction noticeable, 
as if affairs were progessing in the right channel. We looked 
upon this man, who was burdened with so great a responsi- 
bility and on whom the hopes of a great nation were centered, 
with feelings approaching to awe and wonder as well as 
admiration, and heartily wished him God-speed in his efforts 
to crush the great rebellion. Before the General took his 
leave he asked for a drink of water, which was given. After 
he was gone an officer who had been present wished to know 
why he Avas not given something stronger, as he looked tired 
and dusty; but we felt somewhat diffident in the matter, 
although having seriously thought of doijig so. 



^^ FEELING LIKE GREEN BAY TREES." 



251 



After dinner we rode to the front to witness another 
grand review of the "Army of the James" by General 
Grant, Secretary Stanton, Secretary Seward, Generals Ord 
and Gibbons, and there was also present a large number of 

ladies. 

In the evening we received a visit from Generals R. S. 
Foster, commanding the First Division; Thos. O. Osborn, 




Pontoon Bridge Jones' Landing. 

commanding the First Brigade; and Colonel Dandy of the 
One Hundredth New York Volunteers. They expressed 
themselves as well pleased with the review and the compli- 
ments that had been paid the troops under their command, 
and as Colonel Dandy expressed it, "were feeling like gre^n 
bay trees!" but after being introduced to the several varieties 
of Surgeon Richardson's "milk punch" it was dithcul to 
say how they felt; possibly they felt as if a cyclone had 



•252 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Struck them, for they gathered themselves together and 
silently rode away. 

March 21st orders came to j^repare for a move, and we 
were directed to turn over tents and camp equipage. The 
sick and disabled were to be examined and sent away, and 
everything betokened forced marches and lively times for 
the Army of the James. Four hundred sick and disabled 
were sent to hospital at Fort Monroe. 

March 26th General Sheridan with his cavalry arrived 
and crossed the James river at Deep Bottom. President 
Lincoln also came and reviewed the First Division, Tenth 
Corps. 

March 27th the order came to move, and the troops 
marched out of their winter quarters fresh and active at 
sundown. We were in motion all night and part of the suc- 
ceeding day, making forty miles, and reached the extreme 
left of the Army of the Potomac and expected to remain in 
the place of the Second Corps, but on the 29th were again 
ordered to move. 

Here again is introduced the narrative of Caj^tain 
Homer A. Plimpton, commanding regiment at the time, 
which fully describes the movements and operations of the 
Thirty-Ninth from the 27th of March to the surrender of 
Lee at Appomattox April 9th, 1865. There is also presented 
the official report of Brevet Brigadier-General Osborn, who 
commanded the First Brigade, First Division. Twenty- 
Fourth Army Corps. 

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER WRITTEN NEAR RICHMOND, VA.. 

APRIL 28th, 1865. 

When we crossed the James, which was on the night of the ''Tth of 

March, we marched to the defenses on Grant's left, which we occupied 

while the Second and Fifth Corps, with Sheridan's cavalry, moved farther 

to the left to initiate the long talked of movement which was to wrench 

the strongholds of Petersburg and Richmond from the grasp of the enemy. 

The Sixth and Ninth Corps broke the enemy's line on the morning 

of the 2d inst., when we were called upon to hasten to the assistance of the 



THE ASSAULT OF FORT GREGG. 255 

Sixth Corps, the principal part of which, after breaking through the works, 
had swung to the right towards Petersburg. 

Our Division, the First, commanded by General R. S. Foster, of 
Indiana, went through the line on the double-quick, and passed the Sixth 
Corps, charged two of the enemy's redoubts, capturing them and turning 
the guns upon the flying foe. We advanced to within a short distance of 
a stronghold or work called Fort Gregg, where the enemy made a bold 
stand. This was a key to all the forts about Petersburg, and its capture 
necessitated the fall of the city, as well as of Richmond. 

Fort Gregg commanded five other forts. It was built upon a high 
prominence, the country about it open, affording no covering. It was 
an enclosed fort; surrounding it was a ditch ten or twelve feet deep and 
same in width. It was garrisoned with nearly five hundred picked men 
who swore to hold the fort against all odds or die in the attempt. General 
Lee visited the fort about two hours prior to our arrival and exhorted them 
to hold it at all hazards, for the salvation of Petersburg and the safety of 
Richmond depended upon the fate of that fort; and nobly did they 
endeavor to carry out his instructions, but it was all in vain. They were 
not counting on meeting with Western men in the coming conflict. 

Our brigade, composed of the Thirty-Ninth lUinois, Sixty-Second 
and Sixty-Seventh Ohio and the One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, was soon in position in line of battle, ready to try its 
mettle. At the command. Forward!!! away we went for the fort. As soon 
as we started, the enemy arose from behind their parapets, where they had 
been compelled to keep down by our sharpshooters, and poured into our 
ranks a destructive fire of musketry and grape, which mowed down our men 
most unmercifully; but we faltered not. On we went; we reached the ditch, 
the Thirty-Ninth reaching it first, and was first in planting her colors 
upon the fort; and, by the way, our colors are to be sent to Washington to 
have an eagle, cast for the purpose, placed upon them, by our corps com- 
mander. General Gibbons, in honor of the event. Into the ditch we plunged; 
it was there we encountered a difficulty unforeseen when we started. The 
steepness and slippery nature of the sides of the fort for a time rend- 
ered futile all our efforts to scale them. The excitement which now pre- 
vaUed beggars description. The men were nearly frantic in their attempts 
to gain the top of the works. The enemy continued to fire grape and 
minie balls at all who attempted to come to our assistance. It was only by 
digging footholds with bayonets and swords that we were enabled to work 
our way up inch by inch, fighting all the time. We finally gained the top 
of the parapet, and now the fighting was hand-to-hand, and continued for 
twenty-four minutes by the watch. It was the first time since entering the 
service that I ever thought it necessary to use my revolver in battle; this 
time I made good use of it, as I stood near our colors and fought the enemy 
on the parapet. I was one of the first of the officers to enter the fort, and 
was not even touched by the missiles flying on all sides of me. ^\hen we 



254 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 




SN ^m^^ Aim- 

The Assault of Foet Gbegg, Apeil 2, 1865. 



PETERSBURG ABANDONED. 255 

rushed over the top the sight was truly terrific — dead men and the dying 
lay strewn all about, and it was with the greatest difficulty that we could 
prevent our infuriated soldiers from shooting down and braining all who 
survived of the stubborn foe. Not a rebel escaped; those not killed were 
captured. 

Immediately after the capture of Fort Gregg, two others near by 
were evacuated. And during the night succeeding this, Petersburg was 
abandoned; and no sooner did we hear of that than the announcement ran 
along our line that Richmond, too, was ours, and Lee's army was on the 
retreat for Lynchburgh. 

Our brigade and division gained quite a reputation in this brilliant 
affair of Fort Gregg. It was witnessed by thousands of spectators in both 
armies, who crowded the surrounding hills and house-tops; and the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois stands No. 1 in the brigade. 

Out of one hundred and tifty men, the number I took in of my regi- 
ment, the balance being on picket duty at the time, sixteen were killed 
outright and forty-five wounded; six of whom. I understand, have since 
died. They lie buried where they fell. 

It hath appeared good in the eyes of the commanding generals to 
reward your friend the writer for what they were pleased to denominate 
"gallantry at the battle of Fort Gi-egg." At least my brigade commander 
informed me, soon after the affair was over, that my name had been sent 
on to Washington to the War Department, with a recommendation for 
Brevet-Major, and also to the Governor of Illinois, for the regular com- 
mission as Major in my regiment. 

Of our marches and fightings from Petersburg to Appomattox Court 
House where we compelled General Lee and his army to surrender on the 
9th inst., it would run my letter out to too great length to give you a full 
account. Suffice it to say, our Corps, the Twenty-Fourth, followed the' 
route along the Southside railroad, marching day and night, skirmishing 
with the enemy wherever he would make a stand. It was by this rapid 
marching, some days without stopping for meals or sleep, that we suc- 
ceeded in getting around in Lee's front and heading him off at Appomattox 
Court House about twenty-two miles from Lynchburg. 

Our Division was in the lead of all of the infantry when we arrived at 
that place, and our brigade in the advance of the division, and the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois in the advance of the brigade. 

We did not arrive upon the scene of conflict five minutes too soon- 
Lee's advance was steadily pushing Sheridan's cavalry back, which he was 
determined to do before we could get up. General Sheridan sent word 
back to us for instant assistance. We arrived on the ground at the double- 
quick and immediately flew into line of battle, six companies of my regi- 
ment being thrown out as skirmishers. A narrow strip of timber concealed 
us from the advancing rebels. As soon as we formed we emerged from 
the woods with a regular Western yell, pouring a volley into the astonished 



256 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

rebels. At our first fire they halted and seemed to be dumbfounded, and 
as they saw the long line of blue-coats continuing to emerge from the 
■woods they began to falter, and soon to break, and as we continued to 
advance, tiring at every step, away they went in all directions, over the 
hills and down the gullies. I never, since entering the service, saw such a 
general " skedaddle." It was our sudden appearance directly across their 
only avenue of escape, and that right in their immediate front, that told 
them that their doom was sealed. 

We had not advanced over a quarter of a mile after the flying rabble 
ere the announcement ran along our line like wild-fire, " Lee has surren- 
dered! The white flag was sent out from his army in front of our 
division." 

It is useless for me to attempt to give a description of the scene that 
followed the tidings. The tears rushed to my eyes — my heart was too full 
for utterance. There I stood at the head of my regiment on the very 
ground where the Army of Northern Virginia, made up of the flower of the 
so-called Confederacy, led by their pet General, Robert E. Lee, was com- 
pelled to surrender by our brave boys. It was to accomplish this very end 
that they had left home and friends, and jDerilled their lives time and time 
again; and oh! how many of them are now sleeping the soldier's long, long 
sleep, unmindful of this great achievement! Here we recognized the end of 
this wicked rebellion, and you may be sure gratitude filled our hearts when 
we contemplated this grand result of all our toils, our hard marches, hard 
fightings and exposures. 

I saw General Lee when he took his leave of General Grant after the 
papers were all signed, and I watched the countenance of our gallant chief- 
tain as he came away, and I shall never forget it. It was beaming with a 
smile of satisfaction; and as he raised his hat when passing one of our 
sentinels who presented the proper salute, I knew that he did it as a mark 
of homage to the noble boys who had so gloriously accomplished this 
great work. 

We left Appomattox Court House on the 16th and arrived at this 
place on the 25th inst. It was when we were on the march back that we 
were shocked, yea horrified by the tidings of the death of our beloved 
President — killed by the cowardly hand of an assassin. Deep and revenge- 
ful was the indignation of the army when the truth was known. Emblems 
of mourning meet the eye on all sides. We never knew the depth of our 
love for that noble man until we heard of his cruel murder. 

This morning we heard of the death of the assassin. 

"■ Vengeance is mine, and I tvill re2Kiy, saith the Lord." Amen. So 
let it be. 



OFFICIAL REPORT OF COL. OSBORX. 257 

OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL OSBORN. 

Headqtjaeteks First Brigade. 
FiBST Division, Twentt-Fotjeth Aemy Coeps. 

Appomattox C. H., April 14, 1865. 
Major P. A. Davis. A. A. G. 

Major, — I have the honor to forward the following report of the 
operations of this Brigade since leaving the north bank of the James. 

The brigade, preceded by a battalion of sharpshooters under com- 
mand of Captain Curtis, moved from camp on the New Market road at 
6:45 P.M. March 27, 1865, crossing the James river at Deejj Bottom at 
eleven p.m.; crossed the Appomattox at Broadway landing at daylight, 
halting about two hours, a mile beyond, for breakfast. Marched during the 
day towards Hatcher's Run on the left, bivouacking for the night near 
Humphrey's Station. At four a.m. March 29th, 1865, moved forward and 
relieved General Miles' (First) Division of the Second Army Corps, occupy- 
ing his entire Division front at three p.m. on the 31st of March, the Third 
and Fourth Brigades of this Division being engaged on our left: our 
pickets were strongly reinforced in accordance with orders of the Brigadier- 
General commanding, and a brisk skirmish was commenced with the 
enemy's pickets which continued about two hours, drawing heavy reinforce- 
ments to their line. But two of our men were wounded, — one of the Thir- 
ty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers and one of the Sixty-Second Ohio Volunteers; 
both slight. 

Being relieved by a brigade of colored troops April 1st, 1865, at 
seven p. m. I moved my brigade to the left in accordance with orders, 
reporting to the Brigadier-General commanding. Arriving on the ground 
designated, my commgind was placed in readiness to charge. In the mean- 
time, by direction of General Foster, I sent six men forward to ascertain, 
if possible, the strength of the enemy, and the nature of the ground and ' 
obstructions intervening between our forces and the enemy's works; which 
was satisfactorily accomplished, the scouts giving full and reliable infor- 
mation. 

At five o'clock on the morning of the 2d of April I ordered forward 
one regiment of my command, the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers, by 
direction of the General commanding, to support the Third Brigade which 
was skirmishing with the enemy. At six o'clock a.m. I withdrew the regi- 
ment, and in accordance with orders from the Brigadier-General com- 
manding I moved left in front to the grounds of the Sixth Army Corps, some 
four or five miles to the right, nearing the front of the Sixth Corps; and 
word having been received that the enemy were re-occupying a portion of 
the line of works from which they had been driven early in the morning, 
the command " double-quick " was given. Passing through the lines of the 
Sixth Corps, the Sixty-Second Ohio Volunteers being in advance, I threw 
them forward as skirmishers while the other regiments of the brigade were 
thrown into position "in echelon" in the following order: the One Hun- 
17 



258 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

dred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers on the right, their right 
resting on the line of rebel works; the Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers in 
the center, the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers being on the left. At once 
pressing rapidly forward we drove the enemy from their position, captur- 
ing some twenty-five prisoners, with two pieces of artillery; and turning 
these guns upon the enemy moved forward until we gained the hill, imme- 
diately in front of Fort Gregg and the chain of forts in the interior line of 
the defenses of Petersburg, which we found to be strongly defended by 
artillery and infantry. 

At this point I halted my brigade and prepared to charge the fort. 
The Third and Fourth Brigades moving up formed on my left at fifteen 
minutes past twelve m. At one p. m. orders were received to move forward 
and carry the enemy's works. I moved my command forward about half 
the distance in quick time at "right shoulder-shift arms," and having 
passed a deep and difficult slough gave the command to charge, when the 
brigade with cheers swept up the ascent at the double-quick under a terri- 
ble fire of grape, canister and minie balls tearing through the ranks. The 
Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers moving straight forward struck the angle 
of the fort on the left and next the angle on the road; the Sixty-Second 
Ohio Volunteers and the One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, striking this angle and the angle still further on the right, 
swept around to the rear, striving to gain an entrance, but it was found to 
be an enclosed fort admirably constructed for defense. The men rushed 
into the moat, and clambering up the exterior slope fought hand-to-hand 
across the parapet with the enemy, who stubbornly refused to surrender, 
although surrounded on all sides. The fighting lasted twenty-four minutes, 
when we forcibly burst over the parapets and the fort was ours. The 
redoubt on the right of the fort was also carried in the charge, by a 
portion of the skirmish line of the Sixty-Second Ohio Volunteers, assisted 
by two companies which had been detached from the One Hundred and 
Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers for this purpose, capturing a 
number of prisoners together with two cannon and five caissons. 

In this assault on Fort Gregg Captain Patrick O. Murphy and First 
Lieutenant Robert McMillen, One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, were killed; as also First-Lieutenant William Lamb, 
Thirty -Ninth Illinois Volunteers; Captain 0. M. Eddy and Captain Ansil, 
Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers; Lieutenant Neil, Thirty-Ninth Illinois 
Volunteers, and Captain Gregory and Captain Beppus, Lieutenants Will- 
iams, Patton and Allison, One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. Captain Hitchcock and Lieutenant Murry, Sixty-Second Ohio 
Volunteers, were wounded. The One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers lost fourteen enlisted men killed and sixty wounded; the 
Sixty-Second Ohio Volunteers, three killed and twenty-five wounded; the 
Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers, nineteen killed and forty-four wounded; 
the Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers, seven killed and fifty-four wounded. 



FORWARD TO APPOMATTOX. 259 

At eight A.M. on the morning of the 3d of April the brigade moved at 
the head of the division, the right in front, and marched towards Lynch- 
burgh, bivouacking for the night about eighteen miles distant from Peters- 
burg. On the 4th reached Wilson's Station, halting at Ford's Station for 
dinner . On the 5th, after a long and tedious march of twenty-five miles, 
by way of Nottoway Court-House, we arrived at Burke's Station at eleven 
p. M. At one o'clock p. m. on the 6th of April we marched, in accordance 
with orders, towards Rice's Station. Arriving there we found the enemy 
in heavy force throwing up intrenchments at the station to oppose us. In 
accordance with orders from the General commanding, throwing forward 
skirmishers, I formed line of battle and moved forward the Sixty-Second 
Ohio Volunteers and the One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers a little to the left and in advance of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois 
Volunteers, which was held in reserve, its right resting upon the railroad; 
the Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers upon the right of the Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois Volunteers, the railroad intervening, and connecting with the 
Fourth Brigade on our right. I advanced my line as far as the Phillips 
House, nearly one mile southeast of the station, under a severe shell and 
musketry fire, driving back the enemy. Halting at this point we remained 
during the night sleeping upon our arms. 

In this engagement Lieutenant-Colonel West of the Sixty-Second Ohio 
Volunteers and Captain Oliver C. Gregory of the One Hundred and Ninety- 
Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers were wounded. The One Hundred and 
Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers lost also in wounded, three enlisted 
men; the Sixty-Second Ohio Volunteers, thirteen enlisted men; the Sixty- 
Seventh Ohio Volunteers, seven enlisted men. 

At six A. M. the 7th of April my brigade, advancing upon the enemy's 
works and finding them abandoned, moved out, taking the advance, follow- 
ing closely after the enemy; our skirmishers under command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel R. P. Hughes of the One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers constantly engaging their rear, taking several prisoners. 
Crossing Sandy river, where General Crooks' cavalry division came up on 
our right, we moved forward to Bush river, where we found the enemy 
inclined to dispute the passage. By direction of the General command- 
ing. I formed line of battle, the One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers on the right, its right resting upon the left of the road; 
the Sixty-Second Ohio Volunteers in the center; the Sixty-Seventh Ohio 
Volunteers on the left; the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers supporting— 
and moved forward to the bank of the river, which was impassable except 
at the bridge. The One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, being on the right, was immediately thrown across the river, moved 
to the top of the hill, the enemy falling back before them. Moving across 
with the remainder of the brigade we arrived at Farmville at five p. m., and 
encamped for the night on the west side of the town. 

At six A. M. April the 8th the march was resumed, bivouacking at 



260 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



twelve midnight, having marched a distance of thirty-seven miles. Moving 
forward again at half-past three a. m. on the 9th inst., we halted at six a.m. 
for breakfast. At seven o'clock, heavy skirmishing being heard in 
advance in the vicinity of Appomattox Court-House, my brigade moved 
rapidly forward to the scene of action, arriving on the ground at the 
"double-quick," the cavalry falling back in confusion; and having thrown 
out a portion of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers as skirmishers, and 
throwing my brigade forward into line, the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers 
on the right, the One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers 
in the center, the Sixty-Second Ohio Volunteers on the left, the Sixty- 
Seventh Ohio Volunteers in reserve, I charged with a yell upon the enemy, 
giving them notice that the old Twenty-Fourth Army Corps was again 
in their front. Moving forward at " double-quick," I soon gained the edge 
of the woods, where I halted until the Third Brigade coming up extricated 
my left, which had become enveloped; when I again advanced, driving the 
enemy from the field, capturing one heavy piece of artillery. 

Changing direction by the left flank, in accordance with orders, I 
was passing the enemy's right when I was ordered to halt, word having 
been received that the Army of Northern Virginia had surrendered to the 
Army of the United States. 

In this engagement the One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers lost five enlisted men killed and twenty wounded; the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois Volunteers, one commissioned officer and six enlisted men 
wounded; the Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volunteers lost one enlisted man killed 
and six wounded; the Sixty-Second Ohio Volunteers, eighteen enlisted men 
wounded. Two commissioned officers and thirty-eight enlisted men cap- 
tured. A consolidated report of casualties is herewith transmitted: 

Consolidated Repokt of Casualties of Fikst Beigade, Fiest Division, 

TwENTY-FouETH Aemy Coeps, feom Maech 27th to 

Apeil 9th, 186.5. 





Com- 
missioned 
Officers. 


Enlisted 
Men. 




Regiments. 


5 


■a 
n 

g 




•a 
a 

3 

19 

8 

20 

4 

51 


•d 

D 

•a 



50 
63 
86 
56 

255 


si 

a 

"'i' 

48 
49 


Remarks. 


39th 111. Vols 


1 


2 
2 
6 

1 


'2' 

2 




67th Ohio Vols 




199th Pa. Vols 

6'2il Ohio Vols 


2 


One man taken prisoner. 

Two C. 0. and 38 E. M. taken prisoners. 








Total 


3 


11 









Of the endurance and patience of the officers and men of this com- 



THE ''DOCTORS:' 261 

mand during the tedious marches, and of their heroism and gallantry upon 
every battle-field I cannot "Speak too highly. I cannot close this report 
without speaking in high terms of the oificers of my staff, Captain Childs, 
Captain Denny, Lieutenant Dond, and Lieutenant Ripple, for their heroic 
conduct. 

I have the honor to be, Major, 

Very respectfully, 

Your ob'd't serv't, 

T. O. OSBOBN, 

Colonel 39th III. Vols. ComWg Brigade. 
Official Copy: 

Le Roy Dottd, Lt. and Actg. Asst. Adjt. GenU. 

Tlie letter of Major Plimpton and the official repoi-t of 
General Osborn have given a full and detailed account of 
the operations of the Thirty-Ninth from the 27th of March 
to the 9th of April. The writer now goes back a little and 
takes up the thread of his narrative. It will be remembered, 
however, that he was with the flying hospital of the Twenty- 
Fourth Corps, and what is said cannot very well be disso- 
ciated from the operations of that branch of the service. 
In fact, it has been the intention of the writer to give some 
prominence to the medical service of the army, which has 
never received th^ recognition that was its due except in the 
"Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Eebellion.'', 
It was the general impression that the medical staff of the 
army — the "doctors!" as they were called, were exempt 
from the dangers and chances of war; but the following 
figures from the Surgeon-General's Report show to the con- 
trary: Thirty-two siirgeons were killed in battle; nine by 
accidents; eighty-three were wounded in action, of whom 
ten died; four died in rebel prisons; seven of yellow fever; 
three of cholera; and two hundred and seventy-one of other 
diseases incidental to camp-life and exposures. The medical 
staff as a body were efficient and faithful in the performance 
of duty; and were actuated by the highest motives of 
National and professional pride. They not only underwent 
the fatigues and exposures of the march and the chances on 



262 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the field of battle, but many of them were also exposed to 
the contagion of disease. Some idea of the labor performed 
by the medical department of the armies may be had when 
it is stated that 5,825,480 cases of wounds and disease 
occurred among the white troops, and 629,354 among the 
colored soldiers. 

The work devolving upon the flying hospital during 
this short but decisive campaign was enormous. The troops 
had been engaged with the enemy almost every day since 
the 27th of March. We had stopped at eight different 
points along the line of advance since leaving Petersburg 
and put up our tents, tables and cots, and had cared for 
twelve hundred wounded men, and four hundred out of this 
number required operations. At the time the Army of 
Northern Virginia was paroled we received two hundred of 
the enemy's wounded into our care, and after giving them 
all the attention they required sent them back where they 
could reach their homes as soon as able. We had been a 
flying hospital in so far as celerity of action could make it. 
No sooner was one lot of wounded disposed of, than we 
started onward again, keeping pace with the army. 

We reached the scene of the assault on Fort Gregg in 
time to witness the return of our victorious troops, and in 
ample time to receive the wounded of the First Brigade. 
After they had been cared for, which consumed the most 
part of the night, the writer rode into the city of Petersburg 
to gratify a curiosity to see the stronghold that our troops 
had been pounding at for so long a time and at so fearful a 
cost. On reaching the city the first party to encounter was 
made up of President Lincoln, Secretary Stanton and Gen- 
erals Grant, Meade and Sheridan. Little did he think at 
that time that it would be his last look at the noble Lincoln, 
our beloved President. After riding through the district 
that had suffered so severely from the Federal shot and 
shell while on the other side of the river, and Avitnessing the 



THE CONFEDERACY ON ITS LAST LEGS. 263 

great destriictiou to property, lie rode back to quarters 
through the almost deserted streets of the fallen city. The 
only persons met with were groups of joyous negroes who 
seemingly could not repress their enthusiasm, and they all 
wanted to see their great emancipator -'Massa Linkum." 

On getting back, the Twenty-Fourth Corps was iu 
motion, advancing in the pursuit of Lee's army. Cannon 
were already booming at the front ; aids-de-camp were hurry- 
ing to and fro, delirering orders; batteries of artillery were 
swiftly wheeling to the front, and the various regiments of 
infantry were deploying into marching order. The scene 
was grand and inspiriting. The men looked weary and worn, 
but their spirits were jubilant and flowing over at the pros- 
pects before them of soon ending the rebellion. 

At about noon of April 3d we came across the remains 
of the brave Assistant- Adjutant-General Theodore Eeed, of 
General Ord's staff, who had been killed the day previous, 
and who had been buried in a very rude way by the rebels; 
his feet protruding out of the ground. In a short time we 
had his body exhumed and sent back, much to the satisfaction 
of his many friends. 

Thus we followed on. Occasionally there was a lively, 
brush with the rear-guard of Lee's army, and some quite 
severe battles until Appomattox Court House was reached 
April 9th, where we set up our tables for the last time on 
the field of battle, and dressed the last man wounded in the 
finishing campaign of the war, belonging to the Twenty- 
Fourth Army Corps. 

We started out on the preceding morning, April 8th, at 
six o'clock A.M., and continued to press forward, with an 
occasional halt for rest and to await the movements of the 
advance-guard, until midnight, when we turned into a field 
for bivouac. It was a brief one, however, for at three o'clock 
A.M. the call to "fall in" sounded, and we were soon in 
motion, encouraged and stimulated by the reports that 



264 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

reached us, to the effect that Sheridan's cavahy was in the 
front and flank of the enemy, and fighting desperately to 
arrest the progress of Lee's army, and the orders were to 
"hurry up." The boys were very weary and foot-sore, but 
courageously pressed onward, feeling — yes, knowing that 
the Confederates would be forced to surrender. 

At six o'clock A.M. a halt was ordered for breakfast, but 
before the coffee was ready orders came to move forward 
on the " double-quick." Sharp firing was in progress at 
the front, and under this incitement the old brigade started 
out at a swinging gait and soon covered the mile of distance 
that separated them from the advance of Lee's army. They 
were immediately formed in line of battle as they ran, with 
the Thirty-Ninth in the advance as skirmishers. 

The rebels were totally unaware of the presence of 
infantry, the timber which we were in hiding them from 
view, but they were soon apprised of the fact by hearing the 
unmistakable crack of the Springfield rifle, which was easily 
distinguished from the cavalry carbine. The surprise Avas 
as complete as unexpected, and we had not pressed forward 
on a forced march of forty-five miles in the past twenty-four 
hours for nothing. The enemy stood their ground faith- 
fully, and even desperately, until either shot down or taken 
prisoner. " At one time," said Charles C. Hudson, Company 
E, "we thought the rebels had gained an advantage and got 
in our rear, as Ave heard lively volleys of musketry in that 
direction, but it proved to be a volley fired by a negro regi- 
ment to celebrate the news of the surrender of the ' Army 
of Northern Virginia,' which fact had not yet reached us; 
but soon the welcome order ' Cease firing !' came to us, 
with the glad tidings that Lee Avas capitulating." 

Appomattox Court House was a town of about two 
hundred buildings. It lay in a A-alley which divided the 
two armies. On hearing that Lee had surrendered it was 
almost too good news to be believed all at once, but later, on 



LEE'S SURRENDER. 



265 



riding out of the timber, we saw the wagons of the enemy 
perched on the slope beyond the town, and little white flags 
all along their line. Negotiations were then pending between 
Grant and Lee at McLean's house down in the towai. We 
finally fully comprehended what all this scene meant, — all 
this quiet. It meant that the war was practically at an end; 
it meant that millions at our homes away in the uorthland 
Avere filled with joy and thanksgiving. There was as yet no 
cheering or manifestations of feeling, as the terms of the 




McLean's House — Place of Lee's Sueeendek. 



surrender were still beinoc considered. It was about four 
o'clock P.M. when tlie capitulation was announced. Even then 
there was no outbreak among the victorious soldiers, flushed 
as they were with the greatest triumph of the war. Soldier 
grasped the hand of soldier in honest pride, and to his honor 
be it said, he was not wanting in a God-like charity and 
sympathy for the remnant of that misguided, fallen and 
half-starved army over there on the slope beyond. 

The writer rode over into Lee's camp, and mingled some- 



266 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

what with the poorly-clad and emaciated rebels who had 
proved on many occasions foemen worthy of our steel. We 
outnumbered Lee's army three to one, and such sorrowful- 
looking men and beasts we had seldom seen. Many of the 
officers wished to sell their horses, or any other valuables 
they possessed, in order to get the means to return home. 
One officer came riding up to the writer, mounted on a 
splendid thoroughbred horse, who sent him to General 
Osborn, who had no horse, "Old Mack" having been killed 
while bearing the General gallantly forward to intercept 
Lee. " Old Mack" was so well thought of, having been 
with us throughout the war, that almost martial funeral 
ceremonies were paid him. The General purchased that 
horse of the rebel staff-officer, and brought it home with him. 

On our return to our own camp, there was noticed a 
large crowd of officers and soldiers surrounding a small 
apple tree near the borders of a small stream, and they were 
all busy in securing trophies, for they stated that the tree 
marked the spot where the terms of surrender had been 
decided upon by Generals Grant and Lee; and the hundreds 
securing pieces of the bark and limbs believed it too, and 
before night-fall that tree was gone — a victim to the relic- 
hunters. That Sunday Eve, April 9th, at Appomattox Court 
House, at the vesper hour, the Federals, in the true spirit 
of charity, divided their "hard tack" bread with their late 
bitter, uncompromising and deadly foes. 

General Lee and many of his officers departed for their 
homes that evening, and the following is the General's last 
order to his Army of Northern Virginia. 

GENERAL LEE'S LAST ORDER. 

Headquaeteks Abmt Nokthekn Virginia. 
10th April, 1865. 
General Orders No. 9. 

After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage 
and fortitude, the Army of Nortiiern Virginia has been compelled to yield 
to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the brave sur- 



GEN. LEE'S LAST ORDER. 267 

vivors of so many hard-fought battles who have remained steadfast to the 
last, that I have consented to the result from no distrust of them. 

But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that 
would compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of 
the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past 
services have endeared them to their countrymen. 

By the terms of the agreement officers and men can return to their 
homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfac- 
tion that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, 
and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you His blessing 

and protection. 

With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to 
your country and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous con- 
sideration of myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell. 

(Signed) R. E. Lee, General. 
Official: 
D. D. Pendleton, A. A. General. 

After the surrender tlie First Division of the Twenty- 
Fourth Corps was ordered to guard, collect, and send back 
the war material that had been surrendered by the enemy. 
This duty occupied the attention of officers and men until 
the 17th of April. 



CHAPTEK XIX. 



On to Richmond!— News of the Assassination of the President — Burdened 
with Woe — Lincoln's Favorite Poem — Reach Farmville — Entertain 
Ladies — Enter Richmond — City of Richmond — The King Dead — 
Where Does the Credit Belong — Make Encampment — Duties— Army 
of the Potomac and Sherman's Army Pass through Richmond — Gen- 
eral Terry Again — Corps Hospital — General Grant's Order — Reporter 
Merriam — Ladies of Richmond — Doctor Mayo — George Fitzhugh — 
Richmond Theatre — Grand Spreads and " Blow Outs "■ — The Thirty- 
Ninth Ordered to City Point — Thence to Norfolk — Twenty-Fourth 
Corps Disbanded — Corps Hospital Closed — Post Hospital — " Ferry 
Point in a Minit" — District of Southeastern Virginia — Niggers Want 
the Earth — Terry's Order — Muster Out of Service — School is Out — 
Go Home — Reach Chicago— Springfield — Final Payments — Exer- 
cises in the Chapel — Salute the Flags for the Last Time — Valedictory. 



A T five o'clock, April 17tli, we commenced tlie march to 
Riclimoncl. Before leaving, however, the news came 
of the President's assassiijation. We could not at first credit 
the report; but the telegraph soon confirmed it, and when 
we reached Burkeville we received news of his death. It 
would be impossible to give expression to or present a word- 
picture of the feelings each and all shared alike, A great 
sorrow possessed our minds as we thought of Lincoln dead! 
he whom we had so lately seen in health, and so apparently 
satisfied that his armies had at last reached the "beginning 
of the end." And to think that the hand of an assassin 
should strike him down just as the great "sun-burst" of 
victory was dispelling the gloom that had hung like a pall 
over the Nation for nearly four years! All of our gladness 
was gone. Tears and mutterings of Revenge were seen and 
heard on all sides. It seemed that all hope had departed. 
A few days ago were the happiest of our lives, but now the 

268 




B'v'T Major-Genehal THOMAS O. OSBORN. 

From Photograph Taken at Buenos Ayres, S. A., while U. S, Minister to the 
Argentine Republic. 



LINCOLN'S FAVORITE POEM. 269 

most sorrowful ; each felt as though the loss was a personal 
one. The gaily swinging "route step" of our march on to 
the late rebel capital changed to the mournful cadence of a 
funeral pace. The men of the First Division were burdened 
with woe. The President's death called to mind some 
stanzas of his favorite poem. 

" Oh! why should the spirit of mortal be proud? « 

Like a swift fleeting meteor, a fast flying cloud, 
A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave, 
He passes from life to his rest in the grave. 

"The hand of the king that the sceptre hath borne. 
The brow of the priest that the mitre hath worn. 
The eye of the sage, and the heart of the brave. 
Are hidden and lost in the depths of the grave. 



* 



'"Tis the wink of an eye, 'tis the draught of a breath, 
From the blossom of health to the pallor of death; 
From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud: 
Oh! why should the spirit of mortal be proud?" 

That 

"Heroic soul, in homely garb half hid, 

Sincere, sagacious, melancholy, quaint. 
What he endured, no less than what he did, 

Has reared his monument and crowned him saint." 

We reached Farmville April 19th, where the division 
went into camp for a few days. The surgeons took pos- 
session of a large building where there were soiiie one 
hundred and forty sick and wounded of the late Confederate 
army, as well as some of our own. 

April 20th, late in the afternoon, some twenty-two 
young ladies, escorted by Confederate officers, who were on 
their^'way to Richmond, came to us, seeking accommodations 
for the night, having been sent by General Meade. They 
were provided for and entertained as well as possible under 
the circumstances, and on taking their departure the follow- 
ing morning confessed to having a pretty fair opinion of the 



270 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

"Yankees." The string band of the Engineer Corps came 
over and gave them a serenade in the evening. 

April 22d, at four o'clock a.m., orders came to move 
forward to Richmond, which at last was to be our destina- 
tion. The afternoon of April 24th we reached Manchester, 
opposite Richmond, and went into camp, and where prepar- 
ations were made for our triumphal entry into the capital 
of the exploded Confederacy. At nine a.m. the following 
morning we crossed the James river on the pontoon bridge 
and were received by the Third Division of our Corps; 
which had been the first of our troops to enter the city with 
General Weitzel. It was a grand and imposing sight to see 
the old war-worn veterans of the First and Second Divisions 
of the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps moving up Main street 
with tattered banners ilying, bayonets gleaming in the warm 
sunlight, and the troops marching and displaying as became 
them when entering the capital of the conquered, and 
especially after we had been so long a time in getting there. 

The uniforms of officers and men were weather and 
travel stained, but this made little difference at such a time; 
all was happy within, and, to the music of the Union, the 
"boys" marched proudly and firmly over the pavements 
of the long-sought- for, long-fought-for, and at last icon! — 
the late throne of " Rebeldom," Richmond. 

We passed up through the city, between two lines of the 
Third" Division, who "presented arms" and lustily cheered 
the heroes who had followed the army of Lee to the extremity 
of surrender. 

The great victory that had been achieved was mainly 
due to the Twenty -Fourth Army Corps, and the First Bri- 
gade of the First Division of that Corps was entitled to the 
credit of being the first infantry to intercept the army of Lee 
which was pushing on toward Lynchburg as fast as possible. 
There were no war correspondents for the press with our 
'division at the time, which accounts, probably, for the little 



THE CITY OF RICHMOND. 271 

notice we received. From the tenor of the dispatches to the 
New York paj^ers at that date it would appear that the Fifth, 
Sixth and Nintli Corps of the Army of tiie Potomac liad 
done all the fighting and were deserving of all the honors. 

Since leaving our encampmeilt at Chapin's Farm on the 
27th day of March, the Thirty-Ninth had marched over two 
hundred and fifty miles; had fought or participated in eight 
engagements with Lee's army, one of which (the assault on 
Fort Gregg) had carried the key-point of the defenses of 
Richmond, and which rendered both Petersburg and Rich- 
mond untenable ; and besides, it had out-flanked the advanced 
portion of the rebel army, compelled its surrender, and after- 
wards assisted in the disposal of the captured property. 

The regiment went into camp about two miles from the 
city, together with the balance of the division, where a 
pleasant encampment was made. 

General Osborn received his commission as Brigadier- 
General here, and planted a "star" on his shoulders. Cap- 
tain Plimpton also secured his commission as Major, and was 
in command of the regiment. 

After we were established in quarters we rode to the 
city to look over the burnt district. It was sad to behold 
such a wanton destruction of property in the business dis- 
trict, and to know that it had been caused by rabid and 
lawless ruffians who, in the absence of the military and under 
no restraint, had fired the city for the purpose of plunder. 
There must have been a fearful state of alfairs in the city of 
Richmond in the interval between the departure of Jeff 
Davis and his minions and the arrival of the Federal force 
under General Weitzel. 

The city of Richmond, like ancient Rome, sat upon 
seven hills; and* (to carry the parallel a little further) like 
Rome, it had fallen. " Pompey " Davis, after having ex- 
hausted all his resources and means for defense, had been 
overcome by the rapidly-moving columns of "Cj^esar" Grant, 



272 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



Avlio bad passed the "Rubicon" (James) and created such 
alarm that the Senate and ''Pompey " Davis party abandoned 
the city, leaving all the treasure (that he could not carry 
away) behind. The great King of the South was politically 
dead and buried, and we had assisted at the funeral with as 
joyous feelings as would well comport with such a (Jisasfer. 
The people of the city seemed disposed to accept the 
situation as graciously as possible, and extended to us, in 
many ways, a cordial greeting. How honest it was at that 
time was not questioned. 




\\ Q^'?«-to- 



LiBBY Prison. 



May 5th, the Army of the Potomac passed through the 
city on its way to Washington for the grand review, and to be 
mustered out of the United States service. The Twenty- 
Fourth Corps did the honors of receiving them. On May 
lUth General Sherman and his army of veterans reached 
Eichmond and passed through on the way to Washington, 
and were also heartily received by the Twehty-Fourth Corps. 
All the inhabitants of the city had turned out to see them, 
and were amazed at their strength and equipment, and the 
fine soldierly appearance of officers and men. They often re- 



GEN. ALFRED H. TERRY. 273 

marked that "they did not see how their army had held out 
so long as it did," having to antagonize such well-equipped, 
well-fed and disciplined soldiers as they had seen pass 
through Richmond. Some hours were occupied in their 
passage through the city. It was a grand and imposing 
spectacle to witness these bronzed and hardy veterans, some 
sixty thousand strong, fresh from the " March to the Sea,"^^ 
passing on homewards for "muster out." 

" They were coming from the wars, 

And bringing home their scars, 
They were bringing back the old flag, too, in glory; 

They have battled long and well. 

And let after ages tell 
How they won the proudest name in song or story. 

" They have broken up their camps, 

They are laughing o'er their tramps. 
They are joking with the girls, who flock around them; 

They have left the scanty fare. 

They have left the fetid air. 
They have dashed to earth the prison walls that bound them. 

"Yes, they are coming from the wars. 

They are bringing back their scars. 
They are bringing back the old flag, too, in glory; 

They have battled long and well, 

And let after ages tell 
How they won the proudest name in song or story." 

Our old commander, now Brevet Major-General Alfred 
H. Terry, the "Hero of Fort Fisher,"was in command of the 
Department of Virginia and North Carolina with headquar- 
ters at Richmond, and Brigadier-General Joseph R. Hawley 
was his chief-of -staff. General Terry had been with us since 
July, 1863, with the exception of the interval when he took 
command of the land forces in the expedition against Fort 
Fisher and the subsequent reinforcing of General Sherman 
at Raleigh, North Carolina. Our "boys" had confidence in 
Terry, and he was entitled to it; and besides, he had Avon 
their respect by his uniform kindness and courtesy of man- 



274 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 




Gen. John Gibbons. 



REVIEW BY GEN. GIBBONS. 275 

ner. He was a firm disciplinarian but never exacted any- 
thing from liis command that he was not willing to share in. 
He was the friend of orderly and willing soldiers but 
despised shabbiness in either dress or action. His figure 
was commanding, tall, and straight as an arrow; manner 
dignified, but nothing approaching austerity; and one could 
seek his presence without the fear of being incontinently 

snubbed in so doing. 

Major-General John Gibbons commanded the Twenty- 
Fourth Army Corps and Brigadier-General Robert S. Foster 
the First Division, while Brigadier-General Thomas O. 
Osborn was in command of our Brigade. 

Soon after reaching Eichmond a grand review of the 
Corps was held, and was made the occasion for the presenta- 
tion of a new flag to the Thirty-Ninth by General Gibbons. 
On the standard was perched a magnificent bronze eagle 
which had been especially ordered by him and suitably 
engraved, to commemorate the gallant conduct of the Thirty- 
Ninth at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865. 

One of the Ohio regiments of the brigade was likewise 
honored in the same manner. 

This was the last general review before the disbanding 
of the old corps, and it passed off in the most satisfactory 
manner to all concerned, and especially so to the oflicers 
and men of the Thirty-Ninth, who were proud as well as 
grateful to be honored in such a complimentary way and m 
so public a manner. 

The duties of the men at Richmond were not excessive 
or burdensome, only such as the exigencies of the situation 
required. It was principally camp and provost-guard duty 
in and around the city. 

The corps hospital was located at Camp Lee, formerly 
a camp of conscription and instruction for the Confederate 
army. The buildings upon the ground had been erected 
before the war by the State Agricultural Society and were 



276 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

well adapted for hospital purposes. Soon after getting 
established, Miss Dix, chief of the Nurse Department of the 
army, made us a visit of inspection, and expressed herself as 
well pleased with our surroundings and the accommodations 
for sick and wounded. 

Surgeon Simonds, U. S. A., was our Medical Director, 
and is gratefully remembered for the interest he manifested 
in the welfare of our sick and disabled men. 

In the early part of June the following General Order 
was promulgated, which was congratulatory and promissory, 
and we looked forward to a speedy muster out of service; 
but we were destined to remain yet longer in Virginia before 
that much-desired event. 

Wab Department, 

Adjutant Geneeal's Offioe, 

Washington, D. C, June 2, 186.5. 

GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 108. 

SoLDiEES or THE Abmies OF THE UNITED States: By your patriotic 
devotion to your country in the hour of danger and alarm — your magnifi- 
cent fighting, bravery, and endurance — you have maintained the supremacy 
of the Union and the Constitution, overthrown all armed opposition to the 
enforcement of the laws, and of the Proclamation forever abolishing 
Slaveey — the cause and pretext of the Rebellion — and opened the way to 
the rightful authorities to restore order and inaugurate peace on a perma- 
nent and enduring basis on every foot of American soil. 

Your marches, sieges, and battles, in distance, duration, resolution 
and brilliancy of result, dim the lustre of the world's past military achieve- 
ments, and will be the Patriot's precedent, in defense of Liberty and Right, 
in all time to come. 

In obedience to your country's call, you left your homes and families 
and volunteered in its defense. Victory has crowned your valor and 
secured the purpose of your patriot hearts; and with the gratitude of your 
countrymen, and the highest honors a great and free nation can accord, 
you will soon be permitted to return to your homes and families, con- 
scious of having discharged the highest duty of American citizens. 

To achieve these glorious triumphs, and secure to yourselves, your 
fellow-countrymen, and posterity the blessings of free institutions, tens of 
thousands of your gallant comrades have fallen, and sealed the priceless 



THE RICHMOND LADIES. 277 

legacy with their lives. The graves of these a grateful nation bedews with 
tears, honors their memories, and will ever cherish and support their 

stricken families. 

U. S. Grant, Liexitenant-General. 

Official: 

, Assistant Adjutant General. 

War correspondents for tlie New York and other papers 
were still numerous around headquarters, and for the most 
part were jovial and interesting associates. We still bear in 
memory William H. Merriam, reporter for the Neiv York 
Herald, a genial old soul done up in a wrapper of adiposity, 
and who was as broad as tall, and rolled and trundled about 
in a sea of humor. We had first met him in May, 1864, at 
General Butler's headquarters, when he had a great appetite 
for news items of all kinds. He was full of "wise saws and 
modern instances," and when he would relax from his 
sphinx-like dignity of manner and expression, would enter- 
tain his friends with his store of anecdote and adventure, 
containing so much dry humor that it was necessary to wash 
them down with a bottle of his imported{?) champagne that 
he kept for these especial occasions. He had his quarters 
in the State House, and seemed to be the custodian of the 
Confederate archives, or what was left of them, and was con- 
stantly circulating " Senate Journal Documents " among his 

friends. . , i - 

The Kichmond ladies, in course of time, having doubt- 
less become convinced that the "Yankees" did not "wear 
horns," only drank them, began to show themselves more 
freely; and here it may be of interest to mention that Sam 
Greenbaum, of the band, was fortunate enough to secure a 
wife, who he says has been a blessing to him ever since. 
Sam was always on the lookout for chances. 

Some of the Thirty-Ninth will remember Dr. Mayo and 
his brother, the mayor of Eichmond, the former of whom 
cave the writer a lock of hair from the head of " Stonewall 
Jackson, who died at Dr. Mayors house. And some will 



278 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

recall with pleasant memories Governor Pierpout and the 
members of his staff; also Drs. Cabell, Hancock, and others 
who paid us friendly attention. 

Some of you will remember old George Fitzhugh. a 
most bitter and uncompromising rebel, who had written sev- 
eral books in defense of Southern institutions — " Sociology 
for the South," " Cannibals All," and others of like stamp, 
but who now accepted the situation and the favors of the 
" boys in blue." You will recall pleasant memories of the 
Richmond theatre and its manager, R. D'Orsay Ogden, and 
Staples, his executive, and the actors — Frank Drew, Brink, 
Wm. H. Leake; and the Misses Annie Waite, Revell and 
Tillinghast; and there will be some remembrance of the 
banquet that De Normandie spread for them one night at 
Camp Lee when Generals Foster and Osborn and Colonel 
Dandy honored the occasion with their presence. And then 
there was the grand " blow-out " at Division headquarters, 
given by Surgeon A. C. Barlow of the Sixty-Second Ohio, 
acting Division Surgeon, to the medical profession of Rich- 
mond as a return for like civilities, and where the extra, 
double B commissary whisky so astonished the nerves of the 
invited guests that they were soon paralyzed and laid out — 
another "victory!" establishing the superiority of Yankee 
whisky over that of the F. F. V.'s. 

On or about the lOtli of July the Thirty-Ninth were 
ordered to City Point, Va., where they remained for a 
period of three weeks doing guard duty. While there they 
were called upon to suppress a riot between some cavalry 
soldiers and the negroes, but happily they were not forced 
to use their guns. From City Point they proceeded to Nor- 
folk, Va., and reported to Brevet Brigadier-General O. L. 
Mann, who was in command of the Southeastern District of 
Virginia. General Mann, after recovering from the wound 
received at Weir Bottom church, had been assigned to duty 



THE REGIMENT AT NORFOLK, VA. 279 

as provost-marshal at Norfolk and afterwards succeeded to 
the command of the district. 

August 1st the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps ceased to 
be an organization, but a sufficient number of troops were 
retained at Richmond to maintain order and await the time 
when the control of the State should be turned over to the 
civil authorities, the election for State officers having taken 
place on the 25th of July, which passed off very quietly. 
The corps hospital, also, was soon closed out, and after the 
settlement of its affairs the writer reported to the Medical 
Director for orders, and was soon sent with orders to report 
to Surgeon J. J. Craven at Fort Monroe, who assigned him 
to duty at Norfolk, Va., as Chief Medical Officer of the 
District and to take charge of the post hospital, reaching 
Norfolk with hospital steward De Normandie about Septem- 
ber Gth, where he was once again among the members of his 
old regiment. Affairs at Norfolk were in the control of the 
Thirty-Ninth. The regiment were pleasantly encamped in 
the open square of the city, fronting on Church street. 

The district was now under the command of Brevet 
Major-General A. T. A. Torbert, who had succeeded General 
Mann, September 4th. Captain Myers, Company K, had 
command of the hard-labor prison; Captain Samuel Gilmore 
was acting as provost-marshal, and afterwards was appointed 
on the staff of General Torbert as Assistant General In- 
spector; and Lieutenant LeRoy Doud was acting Assistant 
Adjutant-General on Torbert's staff. 

The post hospital, called DeLamater Hospital, was under 
charge of acting Assistant Surgeon W. F. Litch, and was 
located in the court-house: and when the writer took posses- 
sion was in bad shape and over-crowded. On representing 
the matter to General Torbert, the hospital was transferred 
to the old Marine Hospital situated on Ferry Point, midway 
between Portsmouth and Norfolk, after the premises had 
been inspected by Generals Torbert and Mann. It was then 



280 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

in possession of the Freedmen's Bureau, and was occupied 
as a school; but it was soon scrubbed out and whitewashed, 
and made most admirable quarters for the sick of the Thirty- 
Ninth and the Ninth Vermont Infantry, stationed at Ports- 
mouth. Many of the Thirty-Ninth remember the hospital 
and the cry of "Ferry Point in a minit!" of the negroes 
who conducted the little wherryboat that ran hourly between 
the hospital and Norfolk. 

The duties at Norfolk were rather pleasant than other- 
wise, but we were not contented or satisfied. The war was 
finished and we wanted to go home, having filled our con- 
tract with the Government to the very utmost, and we were 
in daily expectancy of being "mustered out." 

General Mann we remember as being very pleasantly 
and comfortably situated in fine quarters on one of the 
desirable residence streets near the bay, and had his wife 
with him. General Pennypacker, who had been seriously 
wounded at Fort Fisher, was still an invalid, and was located 
near by, and under the care of Surgeon D. R. Brower. The 
writer remembers both gentlemen with much satisfaction. 
Dr. Brower, prior to our leaving Norfolk, went to Richmond 
and accepted some position under the new State Government. 

The District of Southeastern Yirginia embraced the 
counties of Princess Anne, Norfolk, Nansemond, Southamp- 
ton and Isle of Wight, and there was a large negro element 
to be cared for and kept at work. The negroes had become 
possessed of the idea in some manner that on Christmas Day 
they were each to receive from the United States Govern- 
ment large quantities of land, and in consequence of this 
impression many of them refused to make any contracts to 
labor after Christmas. In order to correct this impression 
General Terry issued an order for the detail of proper officers 
to be sent into every county, and as far as possible into each 
neighborhood, to explain that the Government had no inten- 
tion, even if it had the power, to do anything of the kind. 



MUSTER OUT." 



281 



Tliis entailed a great deal of labor, but ultimately saved a 
great deal of trouble. 

On December 1st, orders were received for the " muster 
out" of the Ninth Vermont Volunteers. Prior to their 
departure the officers of that regiment gave a grand military 
ball, and cordial invitations were extended to the Thirtv- 
Ninth, who gladly responded. The afPair passed off with 
much satisfaction and enjoyment. 

On the 3d of December, 1865, orders came for the 
Thirty-Ninth to prepare for "muster out." It is quite 
unnecessary to add that the tidings were received with great 
rejoicings. This formality took place on the afternoon of 
December 6th, and at night-fall we were safely on board a 
steamer for Springfield, Illinois, via Baltimore and Chicago. 

On the boat, and well assured that Ave were on the way 
home to stay, everybody was jolly and happy, and the jollity 
was long-drawn-out, lasting until we reached Baltimore 
early the next morning. After breakfasting, the regiment 
took its place on the train awaiting it on the Pennsylvania 
Central railroad and was soon speeding to Chicago. The 
journey was safe; comfortable and afforded enjoyment to all. 
We felt that at last " school is out!" 

At Chicago a bountiful repast was spread at Bryan 
Hall by the noble-hearted ladies of the " Soldiers' Aid Com- 
mission." The ensuing morning, after breakfast at the 
same place, we took the cars for Springfield, 111. Our 
march to the cars was accompanied by cheers and shouts, 
the waving of hats and handkerchiefs by the loyal people 
of Chicago. 

We reached Springfield the morning of December 9th 
without the occurrence of anything worthy of mention, and 
proceeded to "Camp Butler," where we encamped. Here 
the time was fully occupied in turning over all government 
property in our possession and in making out the final dis- 
charge papers and pay-roll of men and officers, and cm the 



282 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

IGth o£ December receiving the pay due from "Uncle Sam" 
and assembling once more together as an organization be- 
fore Adjutant-General Haynie to surrender our war-worn, 
battle-torn and well-loved flags that the regiment had car- 
ried through four years and two months of active service 

We met all together for the last time, soon to separate 
in widely diverging paths. The following exercises took 
place in the chapel. 

The regiment, under command of Brevet Brigadier- 
General O. L. Mann, was massed in the chapel of the camp, 
where the ceremony of surrendering the flags of the regi- 
ment to the State authorities transpired. The flags were 
three in number, and were severally presented. No. 1 was 
a " prize flag," awarded by the State Agricultural Society, 
as a premium for superior drill and discipline, and was 
called "The Agricultural Flag." The brazen eagle, ball 
and socket, attaching to this flag, were presented by Major- 
General John Gibbons, commanding the Twenty-Fourth 
Corps, for gallant conduct in the assault on Fort Gregg, 
Petersburg, Va., April 2d, 1865. No. 2 had been presented 
by Governor Yates, and contained a life-size picture of His 
Excellency. This flag. General Mann said, had been con- 
signed to the care of a Sergeant of the same name, who had 
been shot down in one of the engagements, while unfurling 
it to the breeze, and when his lifeless body was about to be 
removed for burial, it was discovered that his right hand 
still grasped a shred of the flag, and that its folds were sat- 
urated with his life-blood. The name of Sergeant Yates 
should therefore be associated with that old flag, and his 
memory should be dear and sacred to every patriotic heart 
in the State. No. 3, in its tattered, riddled and ragged con- 
dition, bore unmistakable traces of original beauty, and was 
the gift of a young lady named Miss Arion, and had been 
tenderly and sacredly regarded for her sake. The flags 
were all literally in ribbons, and bore incontrovertible evi- 



TURNING OVER THE FLAGS TO THE STATE. 283 

deuce of the fiery ordeal tlirougli which they had passed. 
Geweral Manii observed that these old flags were very dear 
in the sight of the men of the Thirty-Ninth regiment, and 
he hoped that if the State possessed no secure and proper 
receptacle for them and others of like history, that she 
would lose no time in providing one. 

General Haynie, in taking charge of the precious relics, 
observed that he had no language in wdiicli to express the 
emotions of his soul on that occasion. He regretted that 
the State possessed no fire-proof building in which to de- 
posit them, and keep them secure against casualties, and 
earnestly hoped that that matter would engage the early 
attention of our Legislature. He said that these old, tat- 
tered and riddled banners constituted the jewels of the 
State, and, if lost or destroyed, could never be replaced. 
Diamonds or precious metals, if lost, could be made good 
again, but these were priceless and invaluable, and no pains 
on his part would be spared to protect them against any 
possible contingency. They were made sacred by the blood 
which, they had been told, was shed upon them. 

Turning from the flags to the men, on behalf of the 
State and its Executive, Governor Oglesby, who was absent, 
therefrom. General Haynie bid them a most hearty welcome 
back to its generous soil, and gratefully thanked them for 
the noble and heroic services they had rendered to the 
Nation. In conclusion, he hoped that on their return home 
to the quiet pursuits of civil life, they would not abandon 
the principles they had fought for in the field; that they 
would be true to their own record, and true to the Union 
and its friends. There were, unfortunately, as they should 
find, still rebels at home, who had kept up a fire in the rear 
while they were in the field, and there was no reason why 
they should change front at home and vote in favor of the 
party and principles against which they had fought and bled 
in the field. This part of the General's speech was received 



284 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Avith rounds of applause, amid which he retired from the 
platform, the band striking up a stirring air. 

At the conclusion of General Haynie's speech. General 
Mann again ascended the platform, and for the last time 
demanded the "attention" of his command, on this occasion 
to deliver to them his last "order" and take his final leave 
as their commander. He spoke as follows: 

SoLDiEBs: The period toward which your attention has been 
directed for a long time is at hand. Having served your country faith- 
fully for nearly five years, you are to-day honorably discharged from the 
army of the United States. You will soon leave off your veteran garb of 
valiant blue, and, putting on another suit, become honorable citizens of an 
honorable State — a State that has sent over two hundred and sixty 
thousand troops to the field, and given to the country a Peesident who 
has fallen a martyr to that cause which, like the voice of God, called you 
from your homes to engage in the stern realities of fierce and bloody war- 
fare. In parting with you, it is not necessary for me to remind you of the 
different departments in which you have served with distinction. The 
graves of your fallen but gallant comrades, in Missouri, in Maryland, in 
the Carolinas and in the Virginias, will keep them fresh in your mem- 
ories. Nor need your commanding officer enumerate the many stormy, 
moonless nights you have passed on picket, guarding your sleeping com- 
rades from the midnight assaults of those who sought alike your lives and 
the life of your country — these will never be forgotten. The sanguinary 
fields which you have gallantly fought, and the frowning, formidable forts 
you have heroically stormed, you will always remember. Some of you 
will remember them by the wounds which are still fresh in your bodies, 
and by the limbs you have left to bleach on Southern soil, while on all 
your memories they are as deeply engraven as they are on your victorious 
old battle-fiags, which you to-day turned over to the authorities of your 
State, unsullied by even an imaginary shade of dishonor. 

The fortunes of war have been such as to prevent your commander 
from participating with you in the final campaign that crowned our com- 
mon country with Victory and Peace. Yet from his post of duty elsewhere 
he watched your interests with a jealous eye, and heard of your deeds of 
valor with feelings of pride and regret. To your gallantry and efficiency 
in the field is he largely indebted for his present rank and position, and he 
therefore most cheerfully embraces this last opportunity to thank you, one 
and all, for your soldierly bearing towards him, and for the promptness 
with which you have observed and executed his orders. He will ever 
regard it his sacred duty to contribute in any way to your individual pros- 
perity, wherever he can, and bespeak for you that recognition of the 
glorious services you have rendered your country, and so nobly and dearly 



VALEDICTORY. 285 

earned. Go to your homes, Veteran Soldiebs, and strive to perpetuate 
that peace, whose purchase was effected at so vast a price — which has made 
your once long lives short, and your full ranks thin. But should the 
emergency again arise, when either National honor must be compromised, 
or personal life laid on the altar of your country, let no member of the 
Yates Phalanx be slow in rushing to the conflict as a representative of the 
honored old Thibty-Ninth. 

Urging upon you, possibly for the last time, the vital importance of 
maintaining characters of honesty, integrity, industry and stability, and 
hoping that again in the peaceful circles of home and friends you will 
leave far behind any habits contracted in the army that may tend to retard 
you in a manly career in the great campaign of life, your commander bids 
you, officers and men, one and all, an affectionate fabewell! 

For some moments after the General ceased speaking, a 
deep silence prevailed, which was then relieved by a burst 
of loud and prolonged cheering. The old colors were again, 
and for the last time, saluted, when the men passed out of 
the chapel to join the Paymaster, who had established a 
" headquarters " at another point, and was ready to dis- 
tribute a large quantity of promissory notes, issued on the 
credit of Uncle Sam. 

The men who participated in the final "muster-out" 
have sought homes in almost every State and Territory of 
the Union, and have proved good citizens and worthy mem- 
bers of society. The number is growing less and less as 
each year makes its changes. Soon "taps!" and "lights 
out!" will be sounded for the last one of our number by the 
grim camp-follower of us all — Death! only to awake at the 
"reveille" of Gabriel as' he summons us for final account; 
and we earnestly hope and trust, in closing this faithful yet 
imperfect record of your history in the War of the Kebellion, 
that there may be a balance in our favor at the Judgment. 

Comrades, the following letter will explain itself. It is 
introduced here thinking that it would prove eminently sat- 
isfactory to yourself and your posterity to know the opinion 
of Major-General Alfred H, Terry, the hero of Fort Fisher, 
concerning your conduct during the time (nearly three 



286 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

years) that you were in his command. You will regret to 
learn of his serious illness from Bright's disease of the 
kidneys with its many complications. He states that his 
sufferings make writing a difficult task, and hence his letter 
is to be the more appreciated by us all. 

New Haven, Conn. 

May 14th, 1889. 
My dear Doctor: 

You ask me to express my opinion about the " Old Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois." What can I say about it — what can any one say about it except 
that it was one of the most gallant of regiments and was as distinguished 
for its discipline and good order in camp and on the march as it was for 
its gallantry in action. 

Sum up all soldierly qualities and attribute them to the regiment 
and you will do it no more than justice. 

Sincerely yours, 

Alfeed H. Tebey. 
Surgeon Chaeles M. Clabk, 
Chicago, III. 

One last word before you close this poor recital of your 
heroic deeds on many fields and under varied circumstances. 

Do you not, all of you, comrades, feel gratified and 
proud of the noble and active part the dear old regiment 
took in the " War of the Eebellion" ? In tracing out its 
movements the writer has lived over again the days when 
this history was made; forms and faces, together with events 
almost lost to memory, have appeared with a brightness that 
seemed impossible; and so, doubtless, have appeared to you. 

This history of the Thirty-Ninth has been written, not 
alone for your satisfaction, but for the gratification of your 
children and your children's children, who will hand it down 
to still remoter generations with the pride and boast of an 
ancestry who fought and died and were crippled in order to 
sustain and perpetuate the Union of the States of North 
America. 




" Wat Wak Dey Fightin' 'Bout.' 



CHAPTEE XX. 



REMINISCENCES AND INCIDENTS. 

How Lieutenant Brucker Opened the Battle of Winchester, Va. — Disobedi- 
ence of Orders Saves Many Lives — Some Tales by Commissary 
Sergeant Frisbie: A New Dish: Frisbie's "Mountain Rabbit" — 
"Bury Me Where I Lay, Boys" — Reminiscences of General Mann: 
How Jie was Frightened : A Good Lawyer Wanted — The Hegira of 
Colored Servants at Edinburg, Va. — Ely's Foraging Expedition — 
Captain Botsford's Narrative — Dr. Clark and the Rebel Flag — Charley 
McGregor and the Pig — General Butler's Narrow Escape from 
Capture — Capture of a Doctor — The Reminiscences of Ezra A. Cook, 
Company G — Searching for Buried Wealth — The Last to Cross the 
River at Sir John's Run — The Sutler in a Rage. 



How Lieutenant S. S. Beucker Opened the Battle of 
Winchester, Va. 

A S you are probably not aware that I had the honor to 
ope?i the battle of Winchester, I will give you a brief 
account of the matter. 

On the Friday evening, March 21st, 1862, before the 
battle, I was detailed to report, with fifty men of Company 
C, at the headquarters of General Shields. Upon arrival, I 
was ordered to await a detail of fifty men from the Thirteenth 
Indiana Volunteers, who would report to me, and I was then 
to proceed out a distance of about two miles on the Front 
Royal road to relieve picket outposts belonging to General 
Banks' army, which was preparing to move on Centreville. 

It having rained almost continuously the preceding 
three days, the roads were in bad condition and almost 
impassable, and being a very dark night our progress was 
necessarily slow. After marching nearly four hours, I con- 
cluded that it was about time we found the pickets that we 

288 



HOW LIEUT. BRUCKER OPENED A BATTLE. 289 

Avere to relieve, so I halted my command near the border of 
some timber, where we found a large plantation-house and 
outbuildings. 

As was usual in such cases, in less than fifteen minutes 
the "boys" had ascertained what the barns and houses con- 
tained, and they reported that there were several fine horses 
and saddles in the stables. I borrowed three of them with- 
out taking the trouble of asking permission, and mounting a 
sergeant and two men, sent them forward to find out if the 
pickets were still in advance of us. In an hour's time they 
returned, having failed to discover them. After a short rest 
I ordered my men to fall back towards Winchester, and 
having taken about the proper distance I deployed them in 
regular picket-line between the Front Royal and Strasburg 
pikes, leaving a small reserve at both ends of the line. 

We had barely got our line fully established as day 
began to break, and I concluded to take some rest ; but before 
I could accomplish this, my attention was called by the cor- 
poral of the guard, who said that he could see Banks' pickets 
coming in; and on looking I could perceive some fifteen 
cavalrymen, dressed in the Federal uniform, coming towards 
us from the Front Royal road. They continued to approach- 
until within about fifty yards, when they raised their carbines 
and opened fire, but their aim being hurried no one was 
hurt. After the volley they immediately whirled about and 
rode off at a gallop. Every one seemed to be surprised, 
havinof little doubt but that thev were our own men, and the 
pickets that we had been in search of, and that perhaps they 
were playing a joke upon us. Nevertheless, I instructed my 
men to return the fire in case of a repetition. 

One half hour later they returned with an increased 
force, and quite a lively skirmish took place for an hour's 
time. I soon found a more advantageous position behind a 
stone fence, such as are found in that locality, and where I 
had a better chance to pepper into them without exposing 



290 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

my men, and which shortened the distance between the two 
roads. 

The enemy must have realized the fact that our position 
was such that they could not dislodge us with their tactics, 
and to our great surprise an artillery fire was opened, throw- 
ing shells. This was continued quite lively for awhile in 
order to distract our attention from the cavalry, who in the 
meantime attempted to flank our position, but without suc- 
cess, as we kept them at bay and held the position. Mean- 
while we were looking toward Winchester for reinforcements, 
and wondered why none came, for we reasoned that the firing 
must have been heard, and I had sent a messenger to General 
Shields' headquarters some time before; and yet no sign of 
answer, and we were beginning to despair. But at last, about 
eleven o'clock a.m., we heard the welcome sounds of the 
bugle and fast-galloping troopers coming down the Stras- 
burg pike to our assistance. They found us still masters of 
the situation. 

We had been attacked and had successfully repulsed 
the enemy's pickets and skirmishers at least a dozen times, 
and it was surprising thai we had escaped with so small a 
loss, which was, one killed and three wounded of the Thir- 
teenth Indiana Volunteers, and two wounded and five prison- 
ers taken from the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. The 
Confederate loss, as I was afterwards credibly informed, was 
three killed and fifteen wounded. 

When I reported at General Shields' headquarters the 
following evening, I found him confined to his bed suffering 
from a shattered arm, caused by a fragment of shell from 
the enemy's guns, received early in the evening of the 22d. 
I gave him a detailed account of the occurrences of my two 
days and one night's outpost duty, and inquired why no 
support was sent me after the firing was heard. He replied 
that he had heard the firing of musketry and artillery, and 
on inquiring the cause had been informed that our artillery 



DISOBEDIENCE OF ORDERS SA VES MANY LIVES. 291 

and infantry were drilling and practicing. He was very 
angry when he learned that General Banks' pickets had left 
their posts without waiting to be relieved. He highly com- 
plimented us and our noble regiment, and expressed the 
great interest he took in the old brigade, remarking that if 
the balance of the army consisted of such material the war 
would soon end. 



Disobedience of Orders Saves Many Lives. 

BY lieutenant S. S. BRUCKER. 

While proceeding on a scouting expedition to the Dis- 
mal Swamp, the Thirty-Ninth was accompanied by two cav- 
alry companies and one battery of artillery. After marching 
all the day and until about dark, we made camp on what 
was termed an island in the swamp. Major Munn Avas 
"officer of the day," and I had been detailed as "officer of 
the guard and pickets." Before going to the front with my 
detail, the Major gave me strict orders to be vigilant, as we 
were near where a large body of the enemy was reported to 
be, and as our command was small, he said "We cannot 
afford to give the rebels a chance to surprise or capture us. 
You are therefore commanded to fire on any body of men, 
that advances from the road in the swamp coming toward 
you, and without giving the usual warning of halt! " 

I proceeded to the post assigned me, established my 
picket line, and left my reserves about one hundred yards in 
the rear. In order to understand the nature of the surround- 
ings it is necessary to state that the road Avas built of logs, 
a "cross-way" in the midst of a swamp for miles ahead and 
to the right of us, and no one could approach towards us 
except on this "cross-way." About midnight, Avhile visiting 
my outpost, my attention was called to a slight noise as if 
made by a body of horse in the distance. It became more 
and more distinct, and the clang of metal (such as the clat- 
ter of sabres makes) left no doubt in my mind that a large 



292 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

body of cavalry was advancing upon us. We quietly fell 
back upon our reserves, who had also heard the approach 
and were on the alert. I first cautioned my men to silence, 
and to have their guns ready and bayonets fixed, but not to 
fire under any circumstances until I gave the word of com- 
mand. 

I had my orders implicit and strict, yet I hesitated to 
fire. I cannot tell even to this day what possessed me, but 
something seemed to whisper "Do not fire until after you 
have challenged them." The time was passing quickly and 
they came nearer and nearer. We could neither see them, 
nor they us, as the night was very dark, but we were con- 
scious that a few seconds of time would bring them up to 
our position. I then called out loudly and distinctly, 
"Halt!" The command must have surprised and startled 
them wonderfully, judging from the almost instantaneous 
check given the horses and the rattle of the sabres. I was 
quickly answered "Friends!" to which I replied, "Advance 
one, Friend, and give the countersign!" 

"Who are you?" was asked. 

"We are friends." 

"Friends of whom?" 

"Friends of the Union! " I replied. 

"So are we!" he said. 

I then asked "What rank do you hold? Where are you 
from, and where going?" 

"Captain! from Chowan river, and en route to Suffolk!" 
he replied. 

Knowing, of course, that we held Suffolk, I felt satisfied 
they were not rebels, yet I called upon the Captain to dis- 
mount and advance twenty paces, and I would meet him, 
which we did. Satisfying myself that he was all right, I yet 
ordered my men to hold the cavalry while I escorted the 
Captain to headquarters, where he proved to be Captain 
Wyland of a New York cavalry regiment on a scout from 



A NEW DISH. 293 

Beaufort, N. C, to report to headquarters of commanding 
General at Suffolk, Va. When Major Munn stated to the 
Captain the instructions he had given me, that officer turned 
a iew shades paler and was ready to embrace me for joy at 
his narrow escape. It was simply a case of disobedience to 
orders, but proved a great mercy. 



Some Tales by Commissary Sergeant Frisbie. 
a new dish. 

While we were on Morris Island, S. C, the larder at 
the headquarters mess used to run pretty slim at times, hav- 
ing to depend almost entirely on the Government rations 
and the canned goods of the sutler. One morning early I 
met with Colonel Voris of the Sixty-Seventh Ohio Volun- 
teers. The Colonel was always an early riser, and this 
morning had been out among the sloughs and bayous near 
the camp on a tour of discovery. He was very fond of prac- 
tical joking, and never felt better than when he could get 
the laugh on some of his comrades. He says to me: 

" Charley, what have they got for breakfast up at 
Osborn's headquarters this morning?" 

"Well," says I, "I don't exactly know; but about the 
usual dishes, I guess — beans, hard-tack, piece of army beef, 
etc., etc." 

" Well, here," says Voris, " I caught a young alligator 
this morning, and you take a good big piece over to your 
cook and have him prepare it nicely for their breakfast, 
and don't you mention anything about it — where you got it, 
or what it is, and we'll see how they like the new dish." 

Accordingly I took over a piece and gave it to the 
cook, telling him to serve it nicely for breakfast — boiled, I 
supposed, would be best. When breakfast Avas ready, Col- 
onel Osborn, Dr. Clark, Adjutant Walker and the others 
came in and took seats at the table, and the cook brought 



294 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

in the new dish, smoking hot, and set it down before the 
Colonel. 

"Hello! what's that!" said he, "where did you get 
the fish?" helping himself quite liberally and passing it 
to the others. " Seems very coarse kind of meat, any- 
way, but smells good — and tastes very well. What is it, 
Adjutant?" 

"I do not know what it is," said Walker. "I never 
saw anything just like it before." 

" Well, Doctor," says the Colonel, " you ought to know 
something about flesh — what do you call it?" 

" Looks like shark or dog-fish," said the Doctor, turn- 
ing it over and smelling it. 

"Where's the cook?" Osborn called out. "Here, sir, 
what do you call this meat, and where did you get it?" 

" Charley Frisbie brought it this morning and told me 
to cook it for breakfast," said the cook. 

"Where's Frisbie? Tell him to report here at once!" 

I went in and the Colonel says, " Charley, where did 
you get that meat? — what is it?" 

I told him that I met Colonel Voris, and he sent it 
over with his compliments, and said he thought it to be 
quite a delicacy for the season." 

" Well! well! but what is it?" 

"Young alligator!" said I. 

" Well, I thought as much when you said Voris sent it, 
and I suppose we'll never hear the last of it; but you 
needn't say we ate any of it." 

Then the laugh went around. 

The balance of it was dished up for the servants, and 
Colonel Mann's darky, a long, gaunt fellow, appropriated the 
most of it to his ovni use ; and afterwards, when told that it 
was alligator, a more disgusted nigger you never saw. He 
didn't get over it for months. 



FRISBIE'S ''MOUNTAIN RABBIT." 295 

FRISBIE'S "MOUNTAIN RABBIT." 

At Eiee's Station, Va., when we were following up the 

Army of Northern Virginia to the final surrender of General 

Lee, General Osborn, then commanding the First Brigade 

of the First Division of the Twenty-Fourth Corps, called to 

me and said: 

" Charley, I haven't had a mouthful to eat for twenty- 
four hours, except a hard-tack or so. Can't you scare up 
something in the eating line?" 

Says I, " General, you know how strict the orders are 
about foraging, and what's a fellow to do?" 

"Oh, well, I thought you had been a soldier long 
enough to know how to get around orders," said he. 
'• Well, I'll see what I can do," and started off. 
I had previously seen some sheep in a field as I passed 
along, and calling a comrade we went in search of them. 
On i^eaching the place, I told him to get around them and 
drive them down to a little gully where I stationed myself 
out of sight, and as the sheep came along I grabbed one and 
immediately cut its throat and proceeded to skin it. I then 
divided it, and teljing my comrade to take the forequarters 
to his mess I shouldered the hindquarters and proceeded to 
General Osborn's tent. When I entered, I saw Generals 
Ord and Foster there, and was somewhat taken aback. Os- 
born says, " What you got there, Sir? " 

"Mountain Babbit," says I, and passed on to the cook's 
quarters, telling him that Ord and Foster were with General 
Osborn and to cook it nicely for supper. 

The Generals remained to supper, seeing, I presume, a 
o-ood chance for a meal. When the meal was ready, and a 
smoking leg was on the table, they commenced eating with a 
degree of appetite and relish seldom witnessed at an army 
table in those exciting days. During the meal, General 
Ord, giving a sly wink to Foster, remarked, "This mountain 
rabbit has a remarkable leg!" 



296 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

"Yes," replied General Foster; "and remarkable feet, 
as I noticed when it was brought in. The rabbits in Vir- 
ginia must be quite different from any that I have heretofore 
seen." 

General Osborn said nothing. After the Generals had 
departed, Osborn wanted to know why I had called that 
sheep a mountain rabbit. I told him that I was so confused 
when I entered the tent at seeing the Generals, and knowing 
that I had violated orders, that I named it the first thing: 
that came into my mind, not thinking of the apparent dis- 
similarity. There was nothing more said about it, however. 



"Bury Me Where I Lay, Boys!" 

BY W. 0. L. JEWETT, COMPANY E. 

On January 4th, 1862, half of our company was sent 
from Sir John's Run to guard a railroad bridge across the 
Big Bethel. It was some five or six miles up the Potomac 
river from Sir John's Bun. The detail was in command of 
Lieutenant Lewis T. Whipple, a gallant and excellent officer 
and man. Some of us took position behind a pile of railroad 
ties we had arranged near the bridge. Jackson was coming 
upon us — our pickets had been driven in and we were await- 
ing events. The Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Begiment 
had come down from Cumberland and had built fires to cook 
supper, some eighty rods above us. Lieutenant Whipple had 
started for the Indiana camp, and the rebels had muffled the 
wheels of a cannon and brought it to the end of the bridge 
about ten rods from us, unheard and unnoticed, and dis- 
charged a shot at the Indiana encampment. This was about 
nine o'clock r.M., and very dark. The shot passed over the 
head of Lieutenant Whipple, and just as the report of the 
gun reached him he caught his toe in a snag, and fell. 
Thinking himself shot, and not fully realizing his position, 
and withal desirous of telling the boys how to dispose of 



REMINISCENCES OF GEN. MANN. 297 

his body, lie called out, "Bury me where I lay, boys!" 
Only a moment elapsed, when, finding himself more scared 
than hurt, he quietly arose and proceeded on his journey, 
saying nothing more about the disposition of his body. 

We at the pile of ties fired a number of rounds at the 
place we had seen the flashes of the gun, but the firing soon 
ceased on their part, and we were ordered to retreat across 
the Potomac, and wading that swift stream in the darkness, 
with the water freezing cold and reaching to one's arm -pits, 
was no laughing matter. We emerged, and went rattling 
through the weeds on the Maryland shore, incased in sheets 
of ice, until after several hours' march we reached an inn 
where we stirred up big fires and thawed out. 



Eeminiscences of General Mann, 
he relates how he was once frightened. 

The troops had all been sent forward from Patterson's 
Oreek, Va., to Paw-Paw Tunnel, except the Thirty-Ninth, 
which General Lander said he ordered left there to guard 
the bridge and to send forward material for reconstructing 
the railroad. The General and his full staff were about 
ready to leave when I was sent for, in the absence of Colonel 
Osborn, who had gone to Cumberland. 

General Lander met me in the hall of his headquarters 
and directed my attention to a very stringent and vigorous 
order he had published, prohibiting marauding on the part 
of our troops, and ordered me to see that it was obeyed. I 
had seen some Generals before that, and have seen a great 
many since, but I think I never saAV one who appeared every 
inch the soldier more completely than did Lander at that 
time. His splendid, tall form was the commanding figure 
in a field of which his large, Avell-equipped staff was the 
impressive background. I listened to the General's instruc- 
tions, and realized that weighty responsibilities were crowd- 



298 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

ing heavily upon my shoulders. I was fresh, and had never 
before stood face to face with a live General. When he had 
concluded what he had to say, I promptly saluted and boldly 
said, "General, I will iry and see your orders obeyed." 

"Try! G— d d—n your soul to h—1! Try!! What in 
h — 1 do you mean. Sir, by such talk? Is that any language 
for a soldier to use, d — n you! " and each oath was empha- 
sized by a terrible stamp of his foot. 

I looked for a way to escape from his severe presence — 
a large rat-hole in the floor afPorded momentary hope ; but at 
last my wits came to my rescue, and straightening myself up 
to more than full height, as I now remember, I gave *the 
most graceful salute possible, and in tones that I meant 
should be heard, I said, "General Lander, your orders shall 
be obeyed to the letter! " 

The General immediately extended his long, sineAvy 
hand, and clasping mine warmly, said, in subdued tones, 
"That is right. Colonel; that is soldierly! I bid you good- 
bye, and hope we shall soon meet again." 

But we never did. General Lander was a corpse ten 
days later, but his impressive lesson was of great service to 
me, I never thereafter allowed myself to think of irying 
to execute a military order. 



A GOOD LAWYER WANTED. 

At this same post (Patterson's Creek) Captain S. W. 
Munn was ordered to Paw-Paw to fill detail on a " general 
court-martial " to try Colonel Ansel, of the First Virginia 
Cavalry. General Lander had started his troops from Paw- 
Paw across the country to attack Jackson at Winchester, and 
was anxious to get there before General Banks should from 
Harper's Ferry. Ten miles out, he met the enemy at 
Bloomer's Gap, and ordered Colonel Ansel to "charge" 
them. It was charged that the enemy showed some "pluck," 



HEGIRA OF COLORED SERVANTS. 29^ 

and Colonel Ansel fell back with his regiment in great 
confusion. 

General Lander was rushing to the front, and meeting 
Colonel Ansel, ordered him in arrest, and taking command 
of the regiment, led it in person to a nice victory, capturing 
some seventy-five rebels and dispersing the rest. Lander 
wired the facts to Secretary Stanton, and asked for instruc- 
tions. Secretary Stanton had just assumed the duties of the 
War Office, and was not as familiar with military law as he 
became in later years. He telegraphed Lander to order the 
Colonel tried by court-martial, and if found guilty of 
cowardice in presence of the enemy, have him shot at once. 
The entire army and the country at large were shocked at 
the order, for at that time no person could be legally executed 
for military offenses, except on the approval of the sentence 
by the President of the United States. 

The court-martial was ordered, however. When Cap- 
tain Muun arrived he found that Colonel Ansel had no coun- 
sel to defend him. Munn's high ideas of law and justice led 
him to suffofest that counsel be furnished the accused before 
he was forced to trial, and arrangements were consummated 
whereby Munn was relieved from the court and assigned 
to the defense of the accused. Colonel Ansel was found' 
guilty as charged, but Munn succeeded in getting him off 
with loss of pay and rank, and dismissal from the service. 
The Captain"' s good reputation made at home as a criminal 
lawyer now became noised abroad in army circles in the 
field, and he was frequently called upon to defend delin- 
quents. 



The Hegira of Colored Servants from the Kegiment. 

While we were at Edinburg, Va., in 1862, the negroes 
who had come out from Chicago with the officers as servants 
became greatly exercised and excited over some information 



300 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

which they had received from some source concerning the 
disposition that would be made of them in case they should 
be captured by the rebels. One morning after breakfast 
some eighteen of these " mokes," under the leadership of 
Bill Baker, who was " chief-of-staff " to Surgeon Blake, and 
the veterinary for the officers' horses, appeared at the head- 
quarters tent ; and Baker, who officiated as spokesman, said to 
Colonel Osborn that they had all come to the front in good 
faith, but they had recently heard that all colored people, 
free or slaves, with the Union army, if taken by the enemy, 
would be placed in the trenches for duty. They were not 
fighting men and could not therefore defend themselves, and 
proposed to go back to Chicago while the way was clear. 
They at once left, and Ben Butler's famous "contraband 
doctrine " was regarded by the Thirty-Ninth from that time 
forward, as strictly orthodox, and under its operations other 
servants were soon substituted. 

To the credit of these colored boys it may be said that, 
though partially demoralized at the battle of Winchester, 
many of them afterwards enlisted in colored regiments and 
helped to open the highway to their freedom with their 
muskets and their shovels. Bill Baker, venerable in his 
years and useful in his citizenship, still lives, and may be 
found in most any Chicago Republican convention trying 
to direct the "ship of state" into such channels as will most 
benefit the colored people. 



Ely's Foraging Experience. 

On a foraging expedition all alone by himself, while 
the regiment was in front of Richmond, Ely discovered in 
his preliminary searches an old blind horse which he pressed 
into the service, and mounted, with a halter to guide him, 
and found him to be quite a help. He had secured several 
turkeys and had attached them to the saddle by strings, and 



REMINISCENCE FROM CAPT. BOTSFORD. 301 

was returning to camp, wlien he was surprised by a party of 
guerillas who sprang out from their ambush in his fi'ont 
and opened fire on him. The rattle of the muskets and the 
sudden clamor frightened not only himself but the horse, 
which turned and went off on a jump through a " stake and 
rider" fence, scattering the rails in all directions. The 
horse fell down in a pasture field, and Ely made a run for 
the woods near by, leaving turkeys and everything else, and 
succeeded in getting a safe shelter and finally reached camp. 
The next morning as he passed the place with the regiment 
he saw the horse lying dead where he fell, having been shot 
in several places. 



A Eeminiscence 

FROM CAPTAIN BOTSFORD, COMPANY F. 

In the early part of June, 18(54, when General Grant 
extended his lines on the north side of the James river, an 
order came to the headquarters of the regiment for a detail 
of one hundred and fifty men to report at the pontoon bridge 
at night. 

About dark, the acting Adjutant (Lieutenant Knapp) 
formed the command, and there was not a commissioned or 
non-commissioned officer to be found, when he turned it over 
to me. Of course there was no alternative, only to go as 
directed. 

In the meantime it had become rumored about the camp 
that we were to go back to our old quarters at Bermuda 
Hundred, and everybody volunteered to go. It was a queer 
command at best, — only one officer. 

The bridge was not far away, and about ten o'clock p.m. 
a mounted ofiicer rode up to me with orders to place my men 
in three pontoon boats and proceed to the creek called Deep 
Run, where I was to establish a post. In case of an attack, 
the gunboat " Hunchback," anchored near by in the James 



302 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

river, would support me, etc., etc. Some of the boys heard 
the order and didn't like the situation of affairs, and at once 
attempted to run the guards at the bridge, and a few suc- 
ceeded in getting away. 

Having had some experience as a sailor when a boy, it 
served me to good purpose on this occasion, for we reached 
our destination safely. Climbing the steep bank of the 
creek, I divided my command into three reliefs and posted 
them as pickets. The line had scarcely been formed when 
rapid firing from a post in the advance indicated an attack 
by the enemy. Just then a private of Company F thought 
it about time to retreat, and made a break for the gunboat. 
In his haste and fright he stumbled and rolled down the 
steep and stony bank into the river and then swam to the 
gunboat; but the sentinels on board refused to assist or let 
him come on board, and he swam back to the shore again. 
The early morning revealed a wet, bruised and crest-fallen 
soldier who never heard the last of his visit to the " Hunch- 
back " to escape from the enemy. In a search made in the 
morning to ascertain the cause of the firing during the night, 
we found only a cavalryman's coat and belt, and nothing 
more, to account for it. 

We were relieved on the third day by the Twenty- 
Fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, having had rather a pleas- 
ant time. We were on the same ground where the disastrous 
charge was made on August l(3th following, by our brigade. 
I remember that on the morning of that day our regiment 
could muster only two hundred and sixty men for duty, and 
at the close of it only ninety -five men answered to the roll- 
call ; and out of the eleven officers who went into that charge 
seven were either killed or wounded. I was the only lieu- 
tenant that was not wounded, and the first on the rebel works. 
It was myself who took the one hundred and fifty rebel 
prisoners and flag and turned them over in charge of a ser- 
geant whom I did not know, but afterwards learned that it 



DR. CLARK AND THE REBEL FLAG. 303 

was a sergeant of Company G, Thirty-Nintli Illinois, who 
was afterwards commissioned by General Birney for the 
gallant act, — a clear case of "stolen thunder." But, poor 
f elloAv, he was killed soon after, in front of ' Petersburg, Ya. 
It was the excessive heat of that day, together with the 
extraordinary excitement and fatigue and the rain of the 
next night, that brought me down with typhoid fever, and 
which nearly terminated my life. 



De. Claek and the Eebel Flag. 

In the latter part of November, 1861, while the regi- 
ment was at Williamsport, Md., Dr. Clark, then Assistant 
Surgeon, was ordered to Hancock, Md., to attend the sick 
at that post. 

Two companies of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Volun- 
teers, under the command of Captain Fox, being stationed 
there, the Doctor took up his quarters with the other officers 
at the hotel and was made comfortable. Through the cour- 
tesy of Captain Carey, who was the provost-marshal, he soon 
became acquainted with many residents of the town, among 
whom was the family of Colonel Bowles, consisting of the 
Colonel, his wife and daughter, who were strongly Union 
in sentiment and very hospitable. 

One evening at a little social given by Miss Bowles, and 
where had gathered quite a number of her young lady 
friends, the Doctor met with a Miss Pendleton, from Berke- 
ley Springs, and also a Miss Fannie Swan, living at Alpine 
Station, Va., across the river from Hancock. Miss Pendle- 
ton, the davighter of Dr. Pendleton, was a very pronounced 
Union sympathizer, while Miss Swan entertained quite dif- 
ferent sentiments — in fact she had the reputation of being a 
" little rebel." Her feelings had also become somewhat 
intensified against the " Yankees " from the fact that her 
father had lately been arrested for his disloyal utterances. 



304 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

and was at this time an inmate of the calaboose or jail. She 
scarcely noticed the Massachusetts officers who were present, 
but learning that Dr. Clark was a Western man, and not a 
detestable Yankee, as she expressed it, from Massachusetts, 
she laid aside some of her reserve and coolness of manner 
and condescended to speak with him. 

In the course of conversation the rebel flag was men- 
tioned, and Dr. Clark remarked that he had not yet seen 
the flag of the Southern Confederacy, but would much like 
to see it for curiosity's sake, if nothing more; and gaining 
some confidence from his affable reception and her obliging 
mood, made the request for a miniature copy of one. Miss 
Swan replied that she would be much pleased to accommo- 
date, but owing to the present status of affairs in her family 
she dare not undertake such a thing, but that Miss Pendle- 
ton, her cousin, would doubtless be pleased to bestow the 
favor, as her sympathies with the Union cause were well 
known, and if the Doctor desired she would ask her. 

Nothing more was thought of the matter for some days, 
when an envelope was handed to the Doctor by a colored 
man, who said that he had brought it from Berkeley Springs 
and was told to hand it to " Doctah" Clark with the compli- 
ments of Miss Sally Pendleton. On opening the envelope 
there was found a small Confederate flag very tastefully made 
from pieces of ribbon. It was about three inches long by two 
inches in width, and very pretty. The Doctor placed it care- 
fully in his pocket, with no suspicion that any person Avas 
informed of this little transaction other than the two ladies 
and himself. 

Two days subsequently Captain Carey suggested that 
they invite ladies and take a horseback ride. He said that 
he had already spoken to Miss Bowles, who had consented, 
and that she had expressed the wish that the Doctor invite 
Miss Swan. This was done, and the answer being favorable, 
the party started off' that afternoon up the river to visit some 



DR. CLARK AND THE REBEL FLAG. 305 

mountain scenery near Sir John's Kun. Every tiling passed 
off very pleasantly and gaily until they had entered the 
town on their return and were passing the quarters of a 
company of the Massachusetts men, who no sooner saw them 
than they ran out shouting and jeering and behaving in a 
most shameful manner, calling Miss Swan a rebel and passing 
other insulting remarks. No attention was paid to them at 
the time, but quickening their pace, the party passed on to 
the residence of Colonel Bowles, where they dismounted. 

Captain Carey was much ashamed and exasperated at 
the conduct of his men, and left tlie house almost immedi- 
ately for Captain Fox's headquarters, leaving Dr. Clark 
behind. The Doctor endeavored to apologize for the rude- 
ness offered to the ladies, but was interrupted almost at once 
by Miss Swan, who said that it was not at all necessary, for 
it was nothing more than might be expected from a lot of 
abolition boors from Massachusetts. 

Scarcely half an hour had passed when the sound of fife 
and drum was heard, and looking down the street there was 
seen a company of soldiers approaching, in command of a 
Lieutenant. ThQy halted in front of the house and were 
brought to a front-face, grounded arms, and stood at "pa- 
rade rest," and the Lieutenant advanced to the door. It was 
opened by a servant, who soon announced that Colonel 
Bowles was wanted. The ladies present were very much 
frightened and excited. Mrs. Bowles went to the door, 
however, and stated that Colonel Bowles was at Hagerstown, 
but would return during the evening, and wished to know 
what was wanted. The Lieutenant replied that it had been 
reported that there Avas a rebel flag concealed in the house, 
and that he had been ordered to come and demand it; and 
if it were not given up, to search the house, and place the 
inmates under arrest. Mrs. Bowles made reply that there 
was no rebel flag concealed anywhere about the house or 
premises, and never had been; and what was more, she con- 

20 



306 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

-sidered it to be a great outrage and a most unwarrantable 
proceeding on the part of any one to discredit the well- 
known loyalty o£ Colonel Bowles and his whole household. 
She then called the Doctor to the door. He responded at 
once, and was told what was wanted. 

"What!" said the Doctor, "you bring a company of 
some sixty men here on the silly pretext that there is a rebel 
flag concealed in this house ! You must be a fool ! and those 
who sent you." 

"Well, well!" says Mrs. Bowles, who saw that trouble 
was brewing, "let the officer search the house, if he wishes, 
and be satisfied; but I kiiow that if the Colonel were home 
it would not be permitted." 

The Lieutenant said that he must obey orders, however 
unpleasant it was; and calling for a sergeant and file of 
men they proceeded to make the search. 

About this time it occurred to the Doctor that perhaps 
the little rebel flag that was yet in his pocket might have 
some connection with this affair; but he awaited the result 
of the search. The Lieutenant and his men soon returned 
from the apartments upstairs, where they had not found any- 
thing, and were proceeding to other portions of the house, 
when the Doctor, calling the Lieutenant out on the porch, 
and in the presence of the soldiers and the crowd of citizens 
that had assembled, said perhaps he could explain the whole 
matter; and taking from his pocket the little rebel flag 
mounted on something like a match-stick, he flung it to the 
breeze with the remark, "Is that what you're after?" and 
tried to explain matters; but amid such shouts of derision 
at the abashed flag-hunters, that it was impossible. The 
feather in the Lieutenant's hat fairly wilted as he ordered 
his company to "Shoulder arms! Bight face! By the right 
flank, forward, march!" and he with his brave command 
slunk away. 

Captain Carey soon appeared, but was totally ignorant 



CHARLEY McGregor and the pig. 307 

of how the whole affair originated. Suitable apologies were 
made to Colonel and Mrs. Bowles, and the affair was soon 
forgotten bj them, but the Massachusetts men never could 
look pleasantly at the Doctor afterwards, who was a most 
unwitting character to the whole proceeding, and has often 
questioned if it was a joke! and if so, on whom. 



Charley McGregor and the Pig. 

After our forces had advanced their lines beyond the 
Howlett house, the premises were visited by large numbers 
of soldiers, some out of mere curiosity, others in search of 
relics, etc. The family of Dr. Howlett had removed a great 
portion of the furniture and other chattels, but there was 
left many articles of value that could not be removed for the 
want of transportation, owing, doubtless, to the hui'ried man- 
ner of their departure. A fine piano was found in the parlor ; 
also many books and surgical instruments, and some wearing 
apparel. Some pigs were also left behind. 

McGregor, having, like the others, some curiosity to 
satisfy, and also^ it is presumed, having an eye to business 
in the direction of getting something good to eat, which was 
the chief end of soldiers about that time, while making an 
inspection of the premises accidentally, of course, espied a 
young pig or shoat, and at once decided that that pig was 
his meat; and suiting the action to the thought, it was run 
down and captured. After giving it the coiq) de grace, 
he slung it around his shoulders and proceeded to camp, 
accompanied by glad visions of fresh pork for supper. On 
his way he chanced to meet Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, who 
commanded him to halt, and asked him, "Where did you 
get that pig, Sir?" 

"Mac" cheerfully and very frankly informed him, and 
was told to go to camp and report himself to Colonel Osborn. 
McGregor had not been long in the service and knew but 



308 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

little of the "tricks" of old soldiers and their way of 
evading orders. He passed on to the camp and presented 
himself before the Colonel's tent, the pig still on his 
shoulders. 

"What have you got there, Sir? and where did you get 
it?" inquired the Colonel, fixing him with his stab-like 
glance. 

" Mac " got frightened, it being his first experience in 
this line, but made out to say that Lieutenant-Colonel Mann 
had told him to report with the pig. 

" Go and stand up against that tree, Sir, and take the 
position of a soldier!" 

"Mac " did as ordered, but found his porcine necklace 
somewhat in the way in taking the position of a soldier. 

" Hold up your head! Place your heels together." 

In obeying, " Mac " must needs see that the position is 
correct, and bends over, and the order is fiercely shouted; 

" Hold up your head! Place your arms in position!" 

Thus the play went on, until "Mac" fairly shook in his 
shoes, and was told to go to his quarters, and never to be 
caught foraging again. 

The final disposition of the pig was unknown, but it was 
doubtless turned over to the commissary of subsistence, as 
the headquarters mess never' relished fresh meat. 



General Butler's Narrow Escape from Capture. 

When Butler's expedition up the Jb,mes river landed at 
Bermuda Hundred, Va., the Thirty-Ninth Illinois was the 
first regiment to debark, and was immediately deployed on 
either side of the road leading to Petersburg; skirmishers 
were sent forward, and the regiment was gradually advanced 
to make room for the other troops of the expedition. Even- 
ing found us about two and a half miles from the landing. 

Comrade Mann says: About this time I heard great 



GEN. BUTLER'S NARROW ESCAPE FROM CAPTURE. 309 

cheering at the rear, which was renewed several times, each 
time coming nearer; and looking for the cause, I saw Gen- 
eral Butler and his entire staff approaching on the main 
road. When they reached my outer line I halted them. 
General Butler asked if we had seen any " rebs " in the 
front. I told him that several squads of cavalry had 
appeared about a quarter of a mile distant. After examin- 
ing a large chart the General said that he desired to go for- 
ward to a creek and a small church beside it, thence down 
the creek about one-fourth mile, and back to our line, form- 
ing, as he said, a triangle in the scout. I offered to advance 
my command to the creek, saying to the General that it 
would be safer for his party. I was thanked and told to 
hold my men as they were, but to instruct them to admit 
his party on their return. I looked for an episode, and it 
soon came. 

Butler and staff galloped to the front. The country 
was quite level (called the Wier bottoms), and excepting 
scattering pine trees was quite open for some distance 
around us. Securing a commanding view from a tree stump, 
I soon saw the General's party halt on the banks of " Butler's 
Creek" (as it was subsequently called by the men of the 
Thirty-Ninth), close to Wier Bottom church. Field-glasses 
were brought into use and the " unpenetrated beyond" was 
carefully explored. Soon the party turned to the left, in- 
tending to run out the base of their triangle, but it was 
never completed. At this moment there sprang out from 
behind a dense thicket of alder bushes on the opposite side 
of the creek a squad of rebel horse, who yelled "Halt!" 
and fired their carbines. Butler had no armed escort and 
but two mounted orderlies, both of whose horses fell dead 
to the ground and their riders Avere taken prisoners. Butler 
and his staff came dashing through the tall pines back to 
our lines with more regard to speed than order of coming. 
The prisoners were taken to Petersburg that night, and 



310 " THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the name and fame of their chief, who had so narrowly 
escaped death or capture, was revealed. Before the next 
night the Petersburg Morning Index was in our lines where 
we saw a full account of the affair. 

It appears that a Confederate Major, with over two 
hundred horsemen, was carefully concealed beyond the creek, 
eagerly waiting for General Butler and his staff to cross 
over. The paper scored the Major most fearfully, for not 
capturing the "beast," and called on the authorities at Rich- 
mond to discipline him for neglect of duty. It is quite safe 
to conclude that General Butler was seldom found in front 
of the skirmish line after this experience. 



Captuee or A Doctor. 

After landing at Bermuda Hundred the Thirty-Ninth 
were advanced out on the Petersburg road, and Captain O. 
F. Rudd, of Company G, had charge of the skirmish line. 
About two o'clock p.m. a man approached on horseback, and 
of course was halted; and upon being questioned, stated 
that he was a doctor, and said that he had a very sick patient 
near the landing whom he desired to visit. He was quite a 
venerable-looking fellow, very polite, and seemed honest. 
He was placed under guard, however, and sent to General 
Butler, who, on learning his business, also furnished him 
with a military escort, to visit his patient. House after 
house was visited, but no invalid was to be found, and mat- 
ters began to wear a suspicious look. Upon a close exami- 
nation into the case, and feeling satisfied that the doctor had 
some other motive in passing our lines than the one given. 
General Butler ordered him in arrest and sent him to the 
"Rip Raps" off Fort Monroe. This man proved to be Dr. 
Howlett, whose splendid mansion a short distance up the 
James river soon gave name to the celebrated Howlett House 



REMINISCENCES OF EZRA A. COOK, COMPANY G. 311 

battery, planted there by the Confederates to enliven Butler's 
proceedings on the " Dutch Gap" canal. 



Eeminiscences of Ezra A. Cook, Company G. 

The first incident of special interest to me Avas con- 
nected with " Stonewall " Jackson's first raid. His march 
from Winchester on Bath was witnessed by our pickets on 
Prospect Rock at the summit of Great Cacapon mountain, 
and they notified our small force at Bath of the impending 
attack. The gallant style in which they bushwhacked the 
rebels and checked the march of fifty times their number 
was duly reported, and thrilled us all. Breastworks were 
constructed of railroad ties, and when brave Lieutenant 
Rudd with his twenty men on the mountain, who gave the 
rebel column a volley at close range, brought in his men 
unharmed, expectation was raised to the highest pitch, 
especially as a long train bearing the Thirteenth Indiana 
regiment passed us towards Sir John's Run about this time. 
The train soon returned, however, and we were astonished to 
see that the Thirteenth made no preparation to take a hand 
in the fight which we were momentarily expecting. We 
afterwards learned that they were under strict orders not to' 
go away from the train. The train stopped a short distance 
from Great Cacaj)on bridge and most of the men stood 
around large fires built by the side of the track, for it was 
mid-winter. 

Soon after we were stationed at Great Cacapon, Frank 
O. Sherwood became so ill that he could not care for him- 
self, and I soon found that he got very little care except 
when I was off duty, so that I could attend to him, and at 
last, at the urgent request of comrades, I was detailed to 
take sole care of him. No physician was accessible. Later, 
Austin Handy was laid up with a badly sprained ankle, and 
he also came under my care. Shortly before dark, the day 



312 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

of the attack, Sherwood was carried ou a shutter to the 
house o£ a Mr. or rather Mrs. McCubbeu, about half a mile 
up the railroad, so as to be out of range of the rebel attack. 
Mr. McCubben was in the rebel army, and, as we afterwards 
learned, the guide of the rebel attacking column. 

While I was helping Handy to McCubben' s the rebel 
attack began with both artillery and infantry, and a moment 
after, along came the train with the Thirteenth Indiana, and 
soon got out of range. Handy could not hurry. As soon 
as Handy was settled there, and I could get my gun and 
accoutrements ready, I started for the scene of battle and 
found our boys just starting to retreat, though there was not 
a shot being fired at them then. The battle was over. A 
report had been received that the rebels were coming down 
"Long Hollow" and would soon cut off their retreat, hence 
the backward movement. 

The train of cars had stopped a short distance away. 
On meeting the company in retreat, I at once asked Captain 
Slaughter to let others help me carry Sherwood and his 
things to the train. Handy, we knew, could hobble along 
with a little assistance. He said No; Sherwood would have 
to be left. I hurried ahead to tell Sherwood and Handy. 
It was terribly disagreeable news to Sherwood, but he bore 
it about as well as a sick man could. 

I succeeded in getting out with Handy just as the 
company came up, and again I appealed to Captain Slaugh- 
ter on Sherwood's behalf, but with no better success than 
before. Lieutenant Eudd brought up the rear, and was 
naturally talking of the events of the past few hours, when 
I broke in with a remark about Sherwood which he evidently 
did not understand. It was hardly reasonable to expect that 
a Lieutenant would go contrary to an emphatic, repeated 
decision of his superior officer, but I determined to risk 
whatever retort I might get, and again broke in on the con- 
versation with some vehemence, and succeeded in getting 



REMINISCENCES OF EZRA A. COOK, COMPANY G. 313 

the case before him, when he denounced Captain Slaughter 
as a miserable coward and declared he would serve under 
him no longer than he was obliged to. He then asked who 
would return with him for Sherwood. Eobert Smith and a 
member of the Thirteenth Indiana who had stayed behind 
hoping to get a shot at a " Johnny," volunteered to go with 
us, and dropping our knapsacks we hurried back, Lieutenant 
Eudd ordering one of the company who was in hailing 
distance to ask Captain Slaughter to send a squad back to 
meet us and to have the train wait for our return. 

Knowing that McCubben would be likely to be promptly 
apprised of our retreat and hurry home with his Confederate 
comrades, we thought it probable that we would have a 
lively time when we reached there, even if we did hurry; 
but the coast was clear and we soon had Sherwood out of 
bed and were on our way, one of us on each side of Sher- 
wood, supporting most of his weight on our shoulders, while 
he walked as best he could, and it was marvelous to us that 
he had strength to get along so well with our aid. Unfor- 
tunately his boots had not been brought to McCubben' s, and 
as the Baltimore and Ohio railroad there was rock-ballasted, 
the sharp stones cut through his stockings and hurt his feet 
at every step; but he bore it all bravely, and the joy at 
being rescued, with the excitement, aided his strength won- 
derfully. So we hurried on, hoping soon to overtake the 
train, or at least to meet the squad Lieutenant Eudd had 
asked to have sent back to meet us. We soon found that 
we were abandoned to our fate, whatever it might be, and 
had no one to depend on but ourselves and the protection of 
God. 

Lieutenant Eudd hurried ahead to find a home for 
Sherwood, whom it was evident we must leave, and soon 
returned with the sood news that he had found at a house 
near the railroad, an old couple who promised to take good 
care of him till we could return for him. They said they 



314 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

would hide liis uniform and conceal his identity, so we left 
him in a much more contented frame of mind than when 
deserted at McCubben's, and hurried on, knowing that we 
would not be safe if we did not get a considerable distance 
away before morning dawned. 

I was so exhausted that, though it was a cold night, I 
was soaking wet from perspiration, and I could not have 
gone much farther, when to our great joy we came up with 
the train, six or seven miles from Great Cacapon. The cars 
were already crowded, but I managed to get into a slat or 
cattle car, where I was soon chilled to the bone, and of 
course caught a severe cold. We finally reached Cumber- 
land and got thawed out. 

A few days later Sergeant Spencer with Henry S. Park- 
hurst and myself were sent back to rescue Sherwood as 
promised. A train took us to Clear Springs, where we 
learned that most of the Baltimore and Ohio road was again 
in possession of the Union troops. At North Branch, two 
miles further on, we secured a hand-car, on which we sped 
along at a lively rate for a short time till it began to sleet,^ 
when it soon took all of our strength to pull and push along 
the empty car. A little after midnight we lifted the car 
from the track near a house, roused its inhabitants and took 
shelter for the night, one of us by turns guarding our com- 
rades and the hand-car. 

We expected when we started that we would not be able 
to go all of the way to our destination on the Virginia side, 
but would have to get a boat, cross to the Maryland side, 
follow the river till opposite where Sherwood was left, and 
then, by boat, cross and get him, if he was alive, and able to 
be moved. 

In the morning we started on, very slowly at first, until 
the sun cleared the ice from the track, when we ran along 
merrily. As we neared Great Cacapon we were joyfully 
surprised to hear that our troops had the day before taken 



REMINISCENCES OF EZRA A. COOK, COMPANY G. 315 

possession there, so with mingled hope and fear for Sher- 
wood's safety we hurried on, and about eleven a.m. that day 
we found him safe and undisturbed and much improved, 
thouc^h still an invalid. 

Going to our old quarters we found a company of the 
Second Maryland occupying them, and near by. Captain 
Dyke's company of the same regiment which had been asso- 
ciated with us in the defense of Great Cacapon bridge and 
the surrounding country. It was of course very gratifying 
to learn that the rebel official report of the fight there put 
oui" force of not over one hundred men at fifteen hundred, 
which was the number of the attacking force, and when we 
learned that they abandoned their artillery and retreated 
back to Bath that night, as the result of the well-directed 
Union fire, we were confirmed in our belief that the rebel 
notion that one of them could whip five Yankees, was a mis- 
taken one. 

We spent that night (January 9th, 1862) with Sher- 
wood, and the next day planned to start for Cumberland. 
We were warned, however, by the Major of the Second 
Maryland that it was not safe, as a train of cars was expected 
from Cumberland, and it was a single track railroad. 

The hand-car had been left near our old quarters. 
Several soldiers took hold to help get it on the track again, 
and it was thrown onto Mr. Parkhurst's leg, laying him up 
completely. We ran the car up opposite McCubben's, and 
expected to spend that night there. About nine o'clock 
Mrs. Barker called and told us that the Second Maryland 
boys, fearing a night attack, had all crossed the river; so 
Spencer and I helped Parkhurst in the hand- car, went on to 
Sherwood, where we roused him, and soon got him aboard, 
and bade good-bye to the kind friends who had so nobly 
cared for him. There were two helpless men, and two of us 
to run the hand-car. We knew that there was still danger 
of meeting the expected train, so we kept eyes and ears 



316 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

open. Several times we put our ears on the track, to listen, 
when there was danger that we might meet it coming around 
a curve. 

The long, dark Paw Paw tunnel we kneAv was especially 
dangerous, as to meet a train in that meant destruction; so 
we put our ears to the track at its mouth, and hearing no 
train, plunged into the Stygian darkness. Though going up 
the river it was down-grade through that tunnel, and we 
made good time. We rode about fifteen miles that night, 
and stopped at " No. 12 " till morning, when we went on, 
reaching Patterson's Creek about noon. 

At Patterson's Creek we received from a brigade quar- 
termaster whom we had carried several miles on the hand- 
car a cordial invitation to dinner at an eating-house. He 
went in with us and ordered our dinner. When we got 
through we found he had decamped, leaving us to pay the 
bill. From Patterson's Creek a train took us to Cumber- 
land. 

At Cumberland we were quartered in an old theater, 
which answered very well for a sleeping-room, but, as there 
was no fire or other means of heating this large room, it was 
a cheerless place for any o^her purpose. There was a small 
room adjoining this where the cooking was done, that a few 
could crowd into, and had the men been allowed to sleep till 
daylight, when they could scatter around town and get warm 
in the stores, it would have saved much needless suffering. 

But Captain Slaughter wanted to put on style and 
astonish the natives. He had an official account of his 
great services at Great Cacapon published in the Cumberland 
papers, and he was not at all modest in his claims of credit. 
To keep up military discipline he had the men roused up to 
roll-call regularly, two hours before daylight, when they 
were compelled to stand around that cheerless room, shiver- 
ing with cold, till daylight, when they could get warm in 
offices and stores about tovra. The severe cold I caught in 



REMINISCENCES OF EZRA A. COOK, COMPANY G. 317 

the slat-car, on the way to Cumberland, had been added to, 
and soon after my return from the trip after Sherwood, my 
cough became very trying, and nobody that saw or heard 
me needed to be told that I was seriously ill. Those who 
were sick, or wished to be considered so, had comrades 
answer "sick" for them at roll-call. 

The morning of January 15th, Captain Slaughter him- 
self attended this early roll-call, and seeing that about one- 
thii'd were reported sick, he gave orders that every man thus 
reported should at once go on duty or go to the hospital. 
Nearly all reported for duty, but I and three or four 
others said we would go to the hospital, as we needed care 
and medicine. Orderly Greene went with us to the hos- 
pital, which was found to be full, but the doctor in charge 
gave us medicine. 

The next morning this same Orderly Greene came to me 
and said I must go on duty as guard in the streets of Cum- 
berland. In vain I told him I was sick and reminded him 
that he took me to the hospital the day before, and I was 
under the doctor's care, and would be in the hospital were it 
not full. He said it was the Captain's orders, and I should 
go on duty or go to the guard-house. As a cold rain was 
falling at the time I feared it might cost me my life if I was 
exposed to it, and told him I would go to the guard-house, 
though I felt the disgrace keenly, as I had never before 
been in the guard-house, or even on extra duty, for any 
offense. He said I was deiailed for extra duiy for not 
being at roll-call the morning before; the very morning he 
had taken me to the hospital. Several members of the same 
" mess " with me (No. 1), learning that I was to be taken to 
the guard-house for disobedience, came at this juncture, and 
made a great ado about the disgrace it would bring on the 
mess if I went to the guard-house, and so worked on my 
feelings that I yielded. Before we started Captain Slaughter 
came in, and I appealed to him, but in vain. 



318 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

When we first reached Cumberland I promptly wrote 
my father a full account of the Great Cacapon affair, telling 
how Lieutenant Rudd denounced Slaughter's cowardice. 
The entire letter was published in the Northern Illinoisan 
and was copied by other papers. I afterwards learned that 
Slaughter had seen that account, and for that reason wanted 
to slaughter me. 

By the providence of God I was stationed that day at a 
stairway where I was sheltered from the rain. My terrible 
eough attracted the attention even of passers on the street, 
and a lady living near by who noticed my condition brought 
me a cup of splendid, hot coffee; so it is possible that I got 
no harm from the exposure. 

But I cherish no feeling of revenge towards either of 
these men. Orderly Greene was afterwards reduced to the 
ranks. Captain Slaughter soon left the service and is now 
dead. I met him last in Omaha, Neb., at which time he was 
pastor of a Methodist church and chaplain of the legisla- 
ture. He greeted me cordially, and I visited the legislature 
with him at his earnest invitation. 

The only other incidents that I will mention are con- 
nected with the battle of Drury's Bluff, May 14:th to 16th, 
1864. 

As we came into line of battle Saturday afternoon, in 
easy range and in plain sight of the rebel works, a shell burst 
amongst us, a piece of it striking Colonel Osborn's elbow, 
and a large piece, the force of which was nearly spent, strik- 
ing a comrade near me on his side, and though it knocked 
him over, as it was the smooth or rounded side that struck 
him, he was simply bruised by it. There we lay till dark, 
under an incessant fire of both artillery and infantry, and if 
ever a lot of men got weary lying on the ground, we certainly 
did. But the darkness hid us, and during the night some 
one got hold of a shovel, and with that single shovel ( I 
think there was but one) a ditch was dug which, with the 



REAIINISCENCES OF EZRA A. COOK, COMPANY G. 319 

dirt from it, made a great protection to all who chose to sit 
or kneel in the ditch. 

Bullets were constantly whizzing by us, and several 
were hit. A comrade close by me had his throat cut by a 
bullet on Sabbath morning, while eating his breakfast. 

The Richmond and Petersburg railroad ran throuo-h 
the battlefield, the main body of the army extending from 
the railroad to the James river on the right, but the Thirtv- 
Ninth extended from the railroad to the left. 

Early Monday morning, in a dense fog, the rebels made 
a furious attack on the entire line and the right seemed to 
yield at once. Skirmishers in front of our line gave the 
alarm and we were ready for them and opened on them "■fire 
by file!" Under our incessant fire the line soon wavered 
and broke. The lifting fog gave us a good view of them. 
Line after line formed and advanced to the same fate. The 
sound of battle, however, soon told us that the battle line on 
our right had been forced far back of us, and a galling fire 
was opened on our flank by a force just across the railroad. 
We retreated in good order to the edge of the woods, a few 
rods away, when every man seemed to yell, Halt! We paid 
our respects to the "Johnnies" across the railroad, who 
soon ran, and then the cry was passed, " Hurrah for our 
ditch!" I think the man who started that cry was a new 
recruit close by me, for I first heard it from him, but it was 
echoed all along the line. He furnished us an excellent 
example of valor without discipline. Noticing that his bay- 
onet was not fixed I told him to fix bayonet, and was not 
surprised to learn, on asking him, that his gun Avas empty. 
He loaded quickly, and was ready to start with us by the 
time our rallying cry had passed down the line, and away we 
went, and hustled out the few rebels who had got into our 
ditch. Brave Captain Rudd was the only commissioned 
officer I saw with us. Soon after our return to our ditch a 
rebel force appeared directly in our rear and close at hand. 



320 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

"Surrender!" yelled the rebel leader. 

"Surrender yourself!" answered Captain Rudd. 

"Fire!" yelled the rebel, and every man of us fell flat. 

"Up and at them!" commanded Captain Eudd, and 
with a volley, a yell, and the bayonet, that rebel force was 
cleared out in less time than it takes to recount the fact. It 
was evidently time for us to join the main body of the army, 
then far in our rear, as we could tell by the noise of battle; 
so we leisurely withdrew, following the course of the rail- 
road. 

Sergeant Spencer, previously referred to, brought up 
the rear, and when out of sight of the rebels behind us, he 
stepped up to the railroad, which was there about breast 
high, and seeing a squad of " Johnnies," let drive, and called 
to me asking if I did not want a good shot. I ran over, and 
as he stood loading I threw my gun into the fork of a sap- 
ling and took deliberate aim at one of the squad just across 
the railroad. With the report of my gun, I heard Spencer 
yell " Cook! " and turned to find a large rebel force right on 
to me, certainly not three rods away. The dense underbrush 
had concealed their approach. Just as I faced them one of 
them fired and shattered my right hand, and the stock of my 
gun just in front of the lock. The ball and two of the three 
buckshot tore through the inside of my hand, and nipped the 
end of the little finger. I then turned and ran the gauntlet 
of a perfect cyclone of bullets, amid yells of " Halt! " "Sur- 
render!" "Shoot him!" "Kill him!" and other choice 
greetings. The dense underbrush favored me, and though 
bullets through my clothing told how narrow was my escape, 
I speedily overtook Sergeant Spencer and we were soon out 
of sight of our pursuers. 

On seeing that I was wounded. Sergeant Spencer insisted 
on taking my gun which I still held on to, and then I saw 
he had lost his. He said that on hearing a noise behind 
him he turned, and, seeing the rebels, started to run, when 



REMINISCENCES OF EZRA A. COOK, COMPANY G. 321 

he found his gun caught by a root or branch, and so he 
left it. 

I had become much attached to that rifled musket, and 
hoped to take it home with me, as we were told we would be 
allowed to buy them, but I have not seen it since, as poor 
Spencer received a wound from which he died, but a short 
time afterwards. 

Before we overtook the company I became very weak 
from loss of blood, and but for the fact that I got a chance 
to soak my wound in the cold swamp-water, and wrap it in a 
large handkerchief also wet, I should probably have soon 
fainted. As it was I could hardly keep my feet with the aid 
of a comrade. We, however, duly reached the main body of 
the army, much to the surprise of its commander, we were 
afterwards told. He did not doubt that we had been cap- 
tured. 

Some coal-cars had been captured, and in these many of 
the wounded were conveyed towards the field hospital. I 
was helped into one of these, and soon felt better, as the chill 
from the cold water had checked the bleeding. When Ave 
came to another gi'oup of wounded men and I saw there was 
not room for them all, I climbed out and started on foot for 
camp at Bermuda Hundred, for some time walking just 
behind an ambulance. Just as we got in sight of the field 
hospital the cry was raised, "Rebel cavalry! Rebel cavalry 
are coming! " 

The fields and roads were full of stragglers, most of 
them Colonel Dandy's New York regiment, and as this rebel 
cavalry cry was raised I saw Colonel Dandy trying to rally 
his men. Pointing his revolver at a group of men on the 
run towards camp he would yell "Halt!" and they would 
stop till he turned to another squad, when they ran on again. 
A moment after, the rebels with a yell and a volley were 
upon them, and doubtless most of them were captured. A 
squad of rebels even fired into the ambulance that I had 



322 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

been following, and though they may not have hurt any one 
in it they did wound one of the horses. I think this ambu- 
lance escaped capture, for from my hiding place in the under- 
brush I saw them dashing along at a furious rate, one horse- 
apparently on three legs, he was so badly wounded. 

As I was not in fighting trim, though I had picked up 
a SAVord, which I carried into camp, I kept out of sight till 
the cavalry dash was over, and then quietly proceeded to 
camp. 

The coal-car in which I rode a short distance was cap- 
tured with its occupants, and poor Luscomb, of my own 
company, whom I left in it, Avith a wound in the arm, died 
in the rebel hospital at Petersburg. 

During that night what was left of the Thirty-Ninth 
arrived in camp, and the nest morning I Avas glad to restore 
to its owner the sword I had picked up on the battle-field. 
It belonged to Lieutenant Kingsbury, of Company E, w^hose 
arm Avas being amputated when I sent the sword to his tent 
for him. 

Though my AA'ound Avas then painful, I had no idea that 
it was of so serious a character as it proA'ed to be. The fol- 
lowing morning the rebels attacked our camp, and with the 
bullets whistling around me I was sent to the brigade field- 
hospital, thence to Fort Monroe, and from there by boat 
to the great Government hospital on David's Island, New 
York harbor. By this time I began to realize that my Avound 
Avas pretty serious. The whole inside of my right hand was 
a mass of torn flesh ; gangrene soon developed, and I became 
A^ery weak and restless from the intense pain, especially Avhen 
the flesh was being burned with bromide, as it Avas daily. 

To MY RIGID Temperance Principles I owe my 
RIGHT HAND, AAatliout doubt. Wliisky Avas sent in for my 
use, as it was for all the severely AA^ounded, and I feared 
I would be forced to take it. On appealing to Surgeon 
Thompson he said I should have the best wine there was 



REMINISCENCES OF EZRA A. COOK, COMPANY G. 323 

in the hospital instead of whisky. I stated my objections 
to all stimulants, and was not a little astonished to find 
that Dr. Thompson's views exactly coincided with mine. 
He explained that he was under authority and had orders 
to furnish stimulants to those who were weak from Avounds, 
but was not under orders to force men to take them; so 
it was agreed that I should take none, and the decision 
was rigidly adhered to. I bore the terrible pain of cut- 
ting and burning my wound without anything to deaden 
it. The flesh was cut and burned away clear to the bone, 
leaving tlie large cords on the right side of my hand 
entirely bare, the flesh around and beneath them being 
removed, and while dressinof the wound one morninor an 
artery burst, and Dr. Thompson worked over me the entire 
day. not less than seven hours consecutively, not leaving 
even for his dinner. The gangrene had at last been cut 
and burned away, and my hand began to heal, and was a 
marvelous sight. Hundreds, many of them soldiers who 
had lost a limb, came to look at it when it was being 
dressed. It seemed as if you could see the new flesh grow 
while you were looking at it. I was assured by the hospital 
attendants that the saving of my hand seemed almost mirac- . 
ulous. They supposed, as soon as they saw it, that it would 
have to be amputated, and did not believe Dr. Thompson 
could save it. While I was there limbs less seriously 
wounded were daily amputated, and an officer with a flesh- 
wound in the arm died of lock-jaw. The muscles of my 
hand contracted so as to draw my hand around at nearly a 
right angle with my arm, and it was double its normal thick- 
ness when it was healed five months after I Avas wounded, 
and I had very imperfect control of my fingers. Dr. 
Thompson recommended that I should, whenever I could, 
whether sitting or standing, gently strain on my hand and 
fingers till they were straight, and the plan proved effective, 
though it took fully five years to accomplish it. 



324 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

It was evident that my days of military service were 
over, and I learned soon after I reached the hospital that 
my discharge was recommended, but it did not reach me 
till August 23d, just eleven days before my time was out, 
when I naturally hurried home. 

That winter (1864-65) I taught school in Champaign 
county, and on my way home secured a clerkship in a 
stationery store in Chicago, where I served a little less than 
three years, when, in December, 1867, I started a manufac- 
turing stationery business at 88 La Salle street, where I was 
burned out in the great fire of 1871. 



Searching for Buried Wealth, 
by comrade mann. 

A ludicrous incident occurred at the field hospital just 
after the fight at Wier Bottom church. May 20th, 1864. 

When night approached, Colonel Mann, who had passed 
through the ordeal of Surgeon Clark's anaesthetics, scalpels, 
and prophylactics., was removed from the shade of a spread- 
ing oak and placed, by the Doctor's order, in a large brick 
smoke-house for the night, it being the best accommodation 
at hand. Near midnight, an officer displaying the rank of a 
Lieutenant of cavalry struck a light at the door and desired 
to know who was there. On being told, he demanded that 
the patient vacate the place at once, as it was to be searched 
for silver plate which one of his dusky attendants, now a 
soldier, assured him had been buried there by his former 
master. 

A little deliberation, and the patient told the officer that 
it would be necessary for the surgeon to direct his removal, 
and a guard stationed near by was sent for Dr. ,Clark. The 
.door was closed, and it was determined that the Doctor 
should send for assistance and a stretcher, and the prospectors 
were so advised. 



SEARCHING FOR BURIED WEALTH. 325 

A moment later the Doctor returned, and with him a 
corporal and four armed soldiers. The Surgeon now placed 
the Lieutenant and his two soldiers in arrest, A parley fol- 
lowed, in which the Lieutenant insisted that the wounded 
officer was resting over much wealth, and that one-half of it 
was at the Doctor's disposal if he would let the search be 
made. The bribe was refused, and the intruders were 
marched beyond the hospital lines and ordered to "git." 

It is hardly necessary to say that early next morning 
Dr. Clark and his patient both thought it admissable to have 
the premises searched, and a careful investigation was made, 
but without discovering any plate or treasure. 

This reminds the writer of more remunerative "dig- 
gings" discovered by some of the Thirty-Ninth boys and 
others, the following winter, near General Butler's famous 
" Dutch Gap " canal. 

Fatigue-parties prosecuted the work on this great 
scheme for getting nearer to Richmond, in reliefs, and those 
off duty frequently killed time by fishing in the James river. 
In searching for bait, a soldier lifted a board that rested 
beneath a large apple tree, and began digging for worms with 
his bayonet. A few inches deeper he came in contact with 
another board. This was found to cover a small iron kettle 
which contained about three thousand five hundred dollars 
in gold and silver coin. A great scramble followed, in which 
the Thirty-Ninth chaps got away with about one-tenth part 
of the plunder. 

This money had evidently been buried there in July of 
1862, when the Army of the Potomac was approaching Har- 
rison's Landing, near by. Tlie occupants of the place had 
fled, and the house had been burned, probably by shells 
from our gun-boats in that region. 



326 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

The Last to Cross the Kiver at Sir John's Eun. 

A REMINISCENCE OF CAPTAIN E. C. MYERS, COMPANY K. 

On tLe night of January 4th all of the troops had 
crossed the river by eight o'clock excepting the Pennsyl- 
vania regiment, which followed the railway to Alpine Station, 
and the last company to cross was Company K, of the Thirty- 
Ninth. 

Captain Woodruff and myself — I was then a Sergeant — 
lingered a little with the hope of securing a boat, as one or 
two had been in use ferrying over the sick and disabled. 
The idea of fording the river was not at all inviting that cold 
night. While waiting and watching for a boat I discovered 
quite a number of muskets lying around, perhaps a dozen 
or more, that had been purposely thrown away by some of 
the men before they took to the water. They were all 
loaded. I gathered them together and said to the Captain, 
Avho was becoming impatient and somewhat fearful of the 
enemy's approach, that we had the means for making a fair 
defense, even if we were attacked ; and as the night was quite 
dark the enemy could not estimate our force, and by the 
rapid discharge of our dozen muskets they could be held in 
check, anyhow, until we crossed the river. 

Soon I saw a boat near the opposite shore with a man 
in it, and I called to him to come over; but he paid no 
attention whatever. I then aimed a gun at him and told 
him to bring that boat over or I would shoot. This proved 
a bad move on my part, for the man, doubtless thinking us 
to be rebels, left his boat and sprang up and over the canal 
bank for shelter. There was then no hope from that direc- 
tion, and we had about concluded to ford the river when I 
saw a man in a boat coming across from another direction. 
He evidently had not seen us, and passed by, landing some 
rods below where we stood. 

It was now so dusky that we could not distinguish who 



SUTLER BROWN IN A RAGE. 327 

or what the man was — -whether a soldier or civiliau, and did 
not much care, being more exercised about getting safely- 
over the river with a dry skin than aught else. The man in 
the boat, after landing, drew it up on the shore and imme- 
diately started off through the woods at a lively pace, as 
though he had some important business, and I liave since 
thought that he was a spy. 

We immediately went to the boat and took possession, 
and after putting the muskets aboard, started across the 
river. Landing safely, we found a portion of our men still 
there, and after disposing of the muskets we started for 
Hancock. On reaching the hotel sometime after midnight, 
I sought a place to rest myself, and going up-stairs entered 
a room which was occupied by Lieutenant-Colonel Mann, 
who was stretched out on the bed, boots and all, and with 
permission I laid down beside him, hoping for a little rest. 

The room we occupied had early in the evening been 
pierced by a six-pounder solid shot fired by the enemy, and 
in its passage had cut off the foot-board. It was then occu- 
pied liy the chaplain of the Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania 
regiment, who naturally got out, and it was owing to this 
circumstance that the Lieutenant-Colonel had secured the 
bed. The night passed quietly enough except for the noise 
made by the men down below, who were busy in drying 
their clothing and making a resting-place on tables, chairs, 
and floor. 



Sutler Brown in a Kage. 

While stopping at Patterson's Creek, Va., in February, 
1862, the weather was something horrible, raining daily, 
and the mud was ankle deep. There were many on the sick 
list, due to the inclement weather. One evening a heavy 
detail of men was called for to go out on a reconnoissance, 
as it was rumored that a portion of General Jackson's army 



328 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

was approaching. After the detail had been made they were 
ordered by the Colonel, at the suggestion of Surgeon S. C. 
Blake, to be brought into line at the commissary's head- 
quarters and be given a ration of quinine and whisky as a 
prophylactic and to tone the men up for their work in such 
nasty weather. 

They were accordingly brought forAvard into line be- 
fore a barrel one-third full of commissary whisky, into 
which had been dumped an ounce of quinine, and Hospital 
Steward De Normandie, provided with a gill cup, proceeded 
to deal out the ration. The majority of the men considered 
it a treat; so much so, in fact, that they took advantage of 
the occasion (not knowing when it would be repeated) to 
make it a good and satisfactory one, and many of them, 
eluding the vigilance of the steward, would, after getting 
their ration, slip around and fall into line for another one, 
and thus got more than they could comfortably carry. It 
would have been all right if the detail had started out, but 
before all was in readiness an order came countermanding 
the movement, and the men were dismissed and sent to their 
quarters. 

A half hour had perhaps elapsed when Sutler Brown 
made his appearance at headquarters demanding in a very 
excited manner to see the Colonel. On the appearance of 
that of3ficer his pent-up wrath found exjiression in some very 
forcible and emphatic language. 

"Those d d soldiers of yours have broken into my 

quarters and stolen all the cordials, bitters and everything 
else they could lay hands on, and the whole shanty is a 
wreck, Sir^ — they are all drunk as lords on the quinine and 

whisky that those d d surgeons dealt out to them awhile 

ago; and by G — , Sir, I'm ruined!" He spluttered around 
at a great rate, demanding payment, and punishment of the 
whole lot. He was quieted down, however, with the assur- 
ance that the matter should be looked into, and the officer 



SUTLER BROWN IN A RAGE. 329 

of the guard was sent for and instructed to go and repair 
damages and arrest the riotous proceedings as well as the 
offenders. This was the last of the quinine and whisky 
ration during that campaign. 



CHAPTEK XXI. 



DEVOTED TO NARRATIVE, INCIDENTS, AND 
MISCELLANY. 



George Riddle's Experiences — Narrative of Martin Van Buren Peters — 
Narrative of William H. Howard — Emile Guntz's Prison Experience 
at Andersonville, Ga. — An Incident at Castle Thunder, Richmond, 
Told by David H. Slagle— The " Bummers " in New York City— Let- 
ter from Sergeant E. J. Thayer to Captain Snowden Relative to the 
Skirmish of June 16th, 1864 — General Shields Gives the Band an 
Irish "Compliment" — Reminiscence of Surgeon S. C. Blake: Female 
Spies — Dr. De Normandie on Guard — The Wilmington Monument — 
General Grant's Terms of Surrender — The Place of Lee's Surrender 
— A Confederate Song — Poem, Dedicated to the Thirty-Ninth, by 
Mrs. Mary C. White — The Regimental Flags, and the Eagle. 



George Kiddle, Company I, Tells Some of His 
Experiences. 

~\ /f"Y first night in camp, and my breakfast the next morn- 
ing, somewhat disappointed me. I was taken to a tent 
and told that I could sleep there. They didn't even ask me 
if I preferred to sleep alone or with some one, but just told 
me that I could sleep there. So I rolled myself up in a 
wisp of straw and managed to pass the night quite comfort- 
ably. In the morning I heard a rattling of drums all 
around me and the boys all tumbled out "hollering" "Roll 
call! roll call!!" so I rolled out too. They told me to "get 
in line there! " and I got into line same as the rest. Then 
they called "breakfast! " and I saw all the boys run, and I 
followed, and got around a table made out of some rough 
boards put on sticks driven in the ground for legs. I found 
a piece of fat meat on a tin plate, and a tin cup with some 

330 



EXPERIENCES OF GEORGE RIDDLE, COMPANY I. 331 

black stuff in it, and a little "hunk" of bread. The boys 
all "pitched in!" but I thought I'd wait until breakfast was. 
ready. I didn't see no sugar, no cream or butter- — no 
potatoes; in fact, nothing but a little fat meat, and bread, 
and the little tin of what they called coffee. I still kept 
waiting, thinking they would soon bring on something like 
what us boys had been used to. By this time the "boys " 
had "downed'' the meat and bread. They shouted out for 
me to "grab hold" and make myself at home. And then I 
did. 

My first night on guard ( it so happened that during 
our stay in Chicago I did not have to go on guard duty) 
came at Benton Barracks. I got along fine in the day time, 
but, Oh, Lord! the trouble I had that night! They gave 
me an old carbine that Santa Anna had in the Mexican war! 
and put me on a " 6co/" close to a little lot that had corn in 
it, and gave me the "countersign," which I never will for- 
get; but I forgot it that night. They told me that I must 
keep a good "look out!" for they were looking for " Price's" 
whole army to come on us. 

My relief was put on at tAvelve o'clock that night, and I 
had to look out for Price and the "grand rounds" both, and 
it kept me so busy that I forgot part of the " countersign," 
which was "Sangomingo.'' I could think of " Sango," but 
for my life I couldn't think of " mingo," so I walked to the 
other sentinel and asked him what it was. He said, " By 
golly! Pve forgot it too!" but he said it was "mingo" some- 
thing. "All right!" I said, "Pve got it now — 'Sango- 
mingo! '" 

It was n't long then before the " grand rounds " came. 
I could hear the other sentinels halt them, and my heart 
began to flutter. I let Price and his army go to thunder 
and I stuck to the "countersign" and the "grand rounds." 
When they came up within speaking distance I cried out, 
" Halt!" and they halted, and for the life of me I couldn't 



332 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

think of what else to say, and they still halted! I thought 
I must say something, so I says " Come on with your grand 
rounds!" and they came up, and I saw it was Lieutenant- 
Colonel Osborn and Dr. Clark; and the Colonel says, 
" Soldier! don't you know the duties of a sentinel? " " Yes, 
sir," says I. "Well, I don't think you do," says he; "and 
I'll report you to your company commander." This kind of 
flustrated me, for I thought I had halted them all right — 
just as good as a soldier of 1812. 

Soon after I heard a noise in the cornfield near by, and 
thinks I, Price and his men are coming! I listened closely, 
and felt sure I could hear them, and cocked the old carbine 
to be ready; but they never came. But I'll tell you, if they 
had come, I would have cleaned them out right then and 
there and gone to camp faster than a bank cashier going to 
Canada. 

The first time I was drawn up in line of battle and 
ordered to "load at will," I would much rather have taken 
the time and came home to load, for I was somewhat scared. 
My heart got between my teeth and I couldn't bite my cart- 
ridge, so I finally got it torn off; and the trouble was then 
to hit the gun-barrrel with the cartridge, for the muzzle of 
the gun wasn't half large enough. If it had been as large 
as an iron kettle, I don't think I could have got my cartridge 
in it ; but I finally got her loaded, but had a hard time return- 
ing the rammer. You may think I was scared! but I got 
'er there all the same, Eli! 

The first time we were called upon to charge a battery 
was at Winchester, Ya., or at least I thought we were going 
to charge, and I made my preparations accordingly. As you 
all remember, we Avere on the left, and the rebels had their 
battery off in the woods. They shelled us pretty lively. I'll 
tell you what I thought then, boys! At that time I had two 
months' pay due me, and I thought, if the Colonel was willing, 
I would give my two montlis' pay and get the other boys to 



EXPERIENCES OF GEORGE RIDDLE, COMPANY I. 333 

"chip" in and buy the "dumVd" battery and have no fuss 
about it. But as good luck woukl have it, the battery pulled 
off and left just as they heard the Thirteenth Indiana 
"holler," and I felt considerably better. 

Now I will tell you how I bought " applejack" without 
money. 

While we were at Suffolk, Va.. our company was ordered 
out on the railroad towards Blackwater, and when we got 
out some distance they wanted a "darkey" to stop at a 
wood-pile and saw wood for the engine. I Avas left to guard 
him. I set him to work, and we did finely for awhile, until 
I wanted him to go with me out into the country to see if 
we couldn't get something to eat and drink. But the darkey 
said he was afraid. Said he, " Ef dey eber git holt of dis 
chile, dey wud kill 'em, sure!" He was afraid to go and 
afraid to stay alone, so for awhile I didn't know what to do. 
There was two big "ricks" of wood, so I told him to lie 
down and I would pile wood around him, and he would be 
safe until I came back. So I left the nigger well covered 
with wood, and struck out for the country. I soon found a 
farm-house andji little " distill " house, run by a " Johnny." 
I asked the old man if he had any "applejack" to sell! He 
said he had. So I asked him if I could buy a canteen full, 
if I would pay for it. He said I could. I asked him what 
he would take to fill my canteen. He said "One dollar." I 
asked him what kind of money he would rather have— 
"greenbacks" or Southern Confederacy. He said he couldn't 
read, and didn't know anything about "greenbacks," and 
Avould rather have Confederate money. I had neither kind, 
and yet felt like doing the fair thing by the "Johnny" — 
and, you know, I didn't want the "applejack" for myself, 
either. 

As luck Avould have it, I had a label in my pocketbook 
that I had taken from a bottle of "Plantation bitters," 
which looked very much like a five-dollar bill of Confederate 



•334 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

money. I asked him if lie could change a five-dollar bill. 
He said he could. So I gave him the label, and he gave me 
back four dollars in silver and the canteen full of applejack, 
and I went back, both feeling entirely satisfied. 

As for bravery, I can't say that I have ever done any- 
thing to brag on. I always did my duty when called on, 
and was always with the regiment. I was never on the 
" sick-list," and never missed guard duty, or a meal if I 
could get it. If there was any fun in camjo I had my share 
of it. 

There is one thing I do feel proud over, and always 
shall, and that was carrying Captain Sam. Gilmore ofP the 
field at Drury's Bluff on the 16th of May, 18(i4, when he was 
wounded. When we started to leave the works, I was with 
him alone, but soon came across comrade Asa Wren. He 
helped me a short distance. We put the Captain astride of 
my gun, and then put the gun on our shoulders, the Captain 
holding around my neck. We carried him some distance in 
this way until Wren gave out. I then took the Captain on 
my shoulder, and had carried him a short distance when I 
saw the rebel cavalry gaining on me, and also saw a number 
of our cavalry about the same distance away from me that 
the rebels were. I told the Captain that I couldn't carry 
him any further. He said, "Oh, God! George, don't leave 
me ! " I told him that I would save him, and laid him down 
and started for our cavalry, and fortunately one of them saw 
me. I beckoned him to me, and placed the Captain behind 
him. By this time the rebels were within a short distance 
of us. The cavalryman asked me, " What, in the name of 
God, are you going to do?" I told him to take care of the 
Captain and I would take care of myself, and when he 
started I grabbed hold of the stirrup of his saddle, and I tell 
you, I held on for dear life until we reached the railroad, 
where I saw an old log lying partly up off the ground. I 
was "play\l out," so I threw myself down under it, panting 



NARRATIVE OF MARTIN VAN BUREN PETERS. 385 

like a lizard. Lots o£ our wounded had been left there. The 
rebel cavalry had come up by this time. All at once I saw 
comrades John Berry and Jeff Everts pop up out of the 
brush just as the "Johnnies" came along, and the " rebs " 
called upon Berry to surrender or they would fire upon him. 
Berry was an Englishman, and as brave as a brick! He 
looked up at the "rebs" and told them to go to "ye — 11!" for 
he had been under a 'ot fire all day, 'eny 'ow; and he struck 
out for the brush with the rebels after him, while I crawled 
from behind the log and struck for the brush also. We 
all three came out all right, and the cavalryman brought in 
the Captain. 

I had some pretty close calls — was knocked senseless 
by the explosion of a shell in front of "Wagner"; had my 
gun smashed in my hand at Drury's Bluff, a button shot 
off my coat at Hatcher's Run, and several other close calls 
too tedious to mention. I enlisted in Company I September 
l-tth, 1861, and was "mustered out" September 14th, 1864, 
in front of Petersburg, Va., which ended my career as a 
soldier. 



Narrative of 'Martin Van Buren Peters, Company F. 

I was thirty-one years of age when I enlisted in Coni- 
pany F at Chicago in August, 1861, and my first real 
experience in " skedaddling " from the rebels was at Alpine 
Station, Va., the night of the 4th of January, 1862. 

I remember I had just placed a goose in the oven to 
bake when the order to "fall in!" came, and we hurriedly 
marched to the river. The ice was running and the water 
looked anything but inviting for a bath or anything else 
that cold night. The old scow-boat was already occupied by 
a portion of Company C, and there was no other recourse 
but to wade in and ford the stream. Ah, me! but it was 
cold! and before reaching the other side I became so chilled 
through that I could hardly stand. With my clothes all 



336 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

dripping and stiffening on me, I made a rush for a house 
where some of the other boys had gathered around a 
red-hot stove. Before I could get a good "sniff" of the 
grateful warmth, some officer popped his head in at the 
door and says, " Out of this, boys! You are between the 
fire of two batteries and the house will be in splinters in 
less than five minutes!" We "outed," and, in fact, the 
shells were flying pretty thick, and we had to take a place 
in line behind the brick buildings on the main street run- 
ning parallel with the river, where we remained until the 
cannonading ceased. As soon as possible we found shelter 
where we could dry our clothes and make some hot coffee. 

My first experience in a regular "out and out" battle 
Avas at Winchester, Va., March 23d, 1862. We were on the 
left supporting a battery, and were there nearly all that day, 
Sunday. We did not have much real fighting to do, but 
were where we could hear and see it; and I remember that 
our old division had the "rebs" on the full retreat before 
dark. 

After Fort Wagner, S. C, was evacuated, I was with the 
regiment when it entered the fort, and while a squad of us 
were sitting there eating our " hard-tack," washed down 
Avith "Uncle Sam's" mocha, a big shell came over from Fort 
Moultrie across the harbor and exploded over our heads, 
covering us with sand. Fortunately no one was hurt, and 
the " hard-tack " tasted as well as ever after the seasoning 
of dirt. 

During the siege of Fort Sumter I was on detached 
service as coxswain of a boat on picket duty at night, and 
we pulled up so near that we could hear the sentinels talk. 
Towards morning the boat-guard neglected to lift the anchor 
as the tide went out, and the result was that we got stuck 
fast in the mud. It Avas near morning, and I ordered the 
men to lie flat in the boat, and there remained until the tide 
came in again to release us. We were within rifle range of 



NARRATIVE OF MARTIN VAN BUREN PETERS. 337 

the fort, but were not noticed. When tlie boat floated once 
moi'e, we drifted out of range and then took the oars and got 
back all right. 

I re-enlisted at Hilton Head and went back home on 
" veteran furlough." 

I was in that terrible battle at Drury's Bluff, Va., where 
so many of our regiment were killed and wounded. I was 
also on the skirmish line at Bermuda Hundred, Ta.. where 
stumps and trees were in good demand. Some minie balls 
had whistled very close to me, when a comrade sung out, 
"Don't you see that ■ reb ' shooting at you?" "No!" said 
I; "where?" and just then along came another, and it struck 
a small sapling close by and went so near through it as to 
bulge the bark on the opposite side. I saw the smoke of 
the gun that fired it, then saw the motion of the sharp- 
shooter's hands in reloading, and I slid down on one knee 
with my gun all ready; in a moment I saw his head appear 
from beliiud his tree; then his neck and breast; he was 
looking for me, and I had changed position. Then I let 
him have the contents of my gun; but whether I hit him or 
not, he did not trojable me any more. 

Ere long, as I was loading, a shot came from another 
direction, the bullet striking me at the outside corner of my 
left eye, tearing the flesh away and chipping the bone. It 
turned me partly around. I did not know what had struck 
me at first — thought my comrade had struck me, and asked 
him what he did it for. " I didn't strike you!" he said; 
" you're wounded, man!" and by this time I began to think 
so, too, as the blood was streaming down my face in a rivu- 
let. It was a close call. I was soon all right again, how- 
ever. 

In October, 1864, I was transferred to Company F, 
Eleventh Regiment of the Invalid Corps, and assisted in 
guarding the assassins of our noble President. 



338 thirty-ninth illinois volunteers. 

Narrative of William H. Howard, Company G. 

I enlisted at the age of nineteen years in Chicago, to- 
gether with some nine others, mostly schoolmates, August 
14th, 1861. We went into Company G, Captain William 
B. Slaughter. 

Among the many reminiscences o£ my soldier life the 
following may be of some interest to the comrades. 

I was once arrested by order of Brigadier-General 
Yogdes, commanding on Folly Island, S. C, in June, 1863. 
He charged me with being in company with a suspicious 
character dressed in a red shhi. I was taken before the 
General, who wanted to know icho the man was. I told him 
that I had not been in company with any man wearing a 
red shirt. " O, yes, you were. I saw him with my own 
eyes, and can't be mistaken. We have to look out for spies 
on this island, and no doubt he was one, and you must tell 
me all about him." I told the General that he was mis- 
taken; that I was in company with my comrade, H. D. 
Pond, and going from the post hospital to our company 
quarters, and had seen no man with a red shirt at all. 
''Well," said he, "you shall go to the guard-house and be 
kept there until you can remember who that man was." 
And I was marched off. The guard, however, instead of 
taking me to the guard-house, took me to his own company 
quarters (Company D), where I was made comfortable; for, 
he said, he knew that I was not guilty of the charge. 

Meantime a lot of soldiers had been ordered to care- 
fully search the island for the man, but they never found the 
myth. The fact was. General Vogdes was "color blind" 
— couldn't tell blue from red sometimes, and this was the 
cause of my arrest. I was never brought up for trial, but 
remained for many days at Company D's quarters. My 
Captain endeavored to get my release but failed, and finally 
he went to the post-surgeon, Dr. C. M. Clark, who said that 



NARRATIVE OF WILLIAM H. HOWARD. 339 

he would see what he coiikl do. He asked for my detail as 
a nurse in the hospital, and succeeded in thus getting my 
release. 

On the night o£ April 1st, 180.5, after our regiment had 
reached the left of the line in front of Petersburg, I lay 
down for a little rest; but soon there came an order for me 
to report to General Terry, and he sent me out through our 
lines to locate the enemy's batteries and to ascertain the 
nature of the ground in our front. I was sent out without 
arms, and if possible I was to get inside the rebel lines and 
find out what I could; and if captured, to play the part of a 
deserter. I started out, and had proceeded some distance 
when I was shot at while crossing a little stream on a log. 
I soon found out that I could not get through, and returned 
at three o'clock in the morning and reported to General 
Terry the position of the rebel batteries to our left and right, 
and what other facts I had gathered. 

We were in line at four o'clock for an assault, but at 
seven o'clock we were ordered to the right again, where we 
made preparations to assault Fort Gregg. While we were 
standing in line in the advance of the assaulting column I 
asked Captain Plimpton, commanding the regiment, to let 
me advance as a sharpshooter. He at first declined, but 
finally said that I might go. I advanced about half way to 
the fort to a good sheltered position, and made several 
pretty fair shots at the rebel gunners. AYlien the command 
to "charge" was given, I started to the left oblique for a 
trench that ran out from the fort, but before I reached it 
there was some terribly hot work going on. I could see our 
"boys" falling thick and fast. After reaching the trench I 
noticed a rebel oflicer with his hat in one hand and sword in 
the other, advancing from tlie rear to get into Fort Gregg. 
Two of Company D's boys who were Avith me fired at him, 
but missed. I then jumped out of the ditch near the stock- 
ade and took aim at the officer's belt-plate, fired, and the 



340 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

officer fell dead. As I rose up to get back to the ditch I 
was struck in the neck by a rifle-ball and knocked down, but 
it was a nearly-spent ball and did no great damage. 

After the fort had been taken I went out where the 
dead officer lay and took his spurs and a pair of sleeve- 
buttons, also some Confederate money. Some soldier from 
another regiment took his sword, which was a beauty. This 
officer, I have good reason to believe, was General A. P. 
Hill. 

April 3d, as we were about starting out after Lee's 
army, the Adjutant of the regiment rode up and, calling 
upon me to advance, informed me that I had been promoted 
to Corporal, and ordered that I should take my place in the 
color-guard. On our arrival at Manchester, Va., I was 
given our State flag to carry, and I carried it from that time 
until the final "muster out" at Springfield, Ilk 

I received a shell wound in the arm, near Fort Wagner, 
S. C, but nothing very serious. At Norfolk, Va., when on 
duty with six others under Sergeant J. R. Ward, at about 
nine o'clock p.m., I was attacked by a negro who stabbed me 
with a knife near the heart. The wound was thought to be 
mortal, but with good care and nursing I recovered. My 
present residence is Sterling, 111., where I hold the position 
of police constable. 



Nakeative of Emile Guntz, First Sergeant Company K. 

At the outbreak of the war I was seventeen years old, 
and was at that time a photographer. I think a great many 
of the boys will remember my taking their tin-types on 
Folly and Morris islands. At the first call for men I 
enlisted in Company B, Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, for 
three months. We were sent to Cairo, without uniforms or 
guns, to stop steamboats running the blockade. From there 
we were sent to guard a railroad bridge at Big Muddy, with 



NARRATIVE OF EMILE GUNTZ. 341 

clubs. We had a rough time of it, on the start, and when 
our three months were nearly up we were sent to Spring- 
field, where we received our uniforms. There they wanted 
us to enlist for three years, but I thought I had had enough 
of it, so I was discharged, and went back to Chicago with 
my mind made up never to enlist again. But I soon got 
tired of staying at home after seeing so many of my friends 
leave for the war, so I made up my mind to enlist again, and 
joined the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, Company K. They then 
had a recruiting office on the corner of Clark and Monroe 
streets, and the few that were there boarded at the Briggs 
House. " High-toned" for recruits! 

After the companies kept coming in we took up our 
quarters at the old Wigwam, where our noble Abraham 
Lincoln was nominated for the presidency. From there we 
went to Camp Mather ; then to St. Louis, where we received 
our guns — that is, old muskets. 

I served my three years, when the call came for us to 
enlist as veterans, and I was one of the first to put down my 
name for three years more, or during the war. I Avas with 
the regiment wherever it went, until I was captured at the 
battle of Drury's Bluff, May ICth, 1804. That was the time 
my hardships commenced. We were in retreat at the time, 
and got onto the railroad track, when we saw a lot of cavalry 
coming toward us and thought they were our men, but we 
got badly fooled. The first thing we knew we Avere ordered 
to throw down our guns, "You Yankee sons of b — ." We 
were driven like a lot of hogs on a run, with revolvers at 
our heads. We were taken to Macon, Ga., and there robbed 
of all we possessed, they telling us that they would return 
everything in a few days, Avlien we would be paroled; but 
that day has never come. Stayed there a few days and 
were then taken to Savannah, Ga., and put in a bull pen — 
hardly enough room to stand in; no shelter of any kind and 
nothing to eat for twenty-four hours ; and when we did get 



342 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

anything it was a pint of cornmeal and about two ounces of 
bacon. 

We stayed there about two weeks, when we received 
orders to get ready — that we were going to be exchanged; 
and oh! weren't we happy! A happier lot of men you 
never saw. But we were to be disappointed. We were put 
on board a train of cattle and open cars, packed in like so 
many hogs, and away we went, not to our lines, but to 
that hell-hole, Andersonville, the most God-forsaken place 
that men were ever put in — not fit for cattle. 

I don't think there is any use of my giving a detailed 



The Pbison Pen at Andersonville. 



account of our hardships and sufferings while there, for I 
imagine there is not a person in the United States who has 
not heard of or read about it. I might fill a book twice as 
large as this one. 

At one time we received the news that Sherman was 
coming to set us free. Then they moved us to Millen, and 
in going there the train ran off the track and I was thrown 
out of the car and received a severe bruise on my shoulder 
that I feel to this day. AVe were then taken back to 



NARRATIVE OF EMILE GUNTZ. 343 

Anclersonville, when Wirtz said it was a pity that it had not 
killed all of us "Yaiikee sons of b — ." After that we 
received hardly anything to eat except about half a pint o£ 
cornmeal a day, and not fit for hogs to eat. 

I don't see how any of us ever lived to get out of there. 
Many of our brave soldiers were left there. We used to 
quarrel to get a chance to carry out one of our dead com- 
rades, so that Ave could get a little wood to cook our corn- 
meal. 

At last we received notice that we were going to be 
exchanged. We were taken to Savannah again, where we 
found out that instead of being exchanged they were going 
to take us to Mobile, Ala., excepting those who could not 
move any further, and these were to be paroled, and I man- 
aged to get among them. We were put on board and taken 
out to where " Uncle Sam " was waiting for us, and that was 
the happiest moment of my life, when I saw the old Stars 
and Stripes once more. 

I think that is where our Government made a great 
mistake — letting our soldiers starve in those Rebel Hells. 
They might just as well have exchanged us, and I don't 
think it would have helped the Confederacy any. Wirtz 
made his brags that he could do more for the cause by kill- 
ing our men in prisons than they could in battle. 

I was, in all, at prison nine months, and it seemed to 
me so many years. I don't see how anybody who went 
through those rebel prisons can ever forget. I never will, 
for I lost part of my hearing, and my eye-sight has been 
very poor since, and is getting worse, all from exposure 
when there. 

We then received a furlough to go home, and in about 
three months I joined the regiment agaiii, when I went 
through all the hardships with them, until we were mus- 
tered out at Springfield, 111., in 18(35. 



344 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



An Incident at Castle Thunder Prison, Kichmond, Va. 
by sergeant slagle. 

During the latter part of tlie war, soldiers were unfor- 
tunate who happened to be taken prisoner, especially if 
wounded. As he is hustled from the battle-field he pictures 
his doom of several months in the prison pens, and how he 
will fare with a bad wound. 

Your attention is called to my observation of the suc- 
cessful scheme of a Pennsylvania soldier who planned to 




Castle Thundee Pbison, Richmond, Va. 

get away from Castle Thunder — myself being among our 
wounded and captured at Darbytown Cross-Roads. A few 
hours after, we were landed in this notorious bastile. It so 
happened at that time, the Confederates were massing a 
boat-load of Union prisoners at this prison preparatory to 
sending them down the James river to near City Point, to 
meet Colonel Mulford's exchange boat, who would return a 
corresponding number of Confederates, the boats meeting 
under a flag of truce. This particular boat-load of prisoners 
was to be the last during the fall of 1S()4. Union prisoners 



AN INCIDENT AT CASTLE THUNDER PRISON. 345 

eligible to be included in this batch for exchange had to be 
badly wounded, or so reduced from sickness that they would 
hardly last till the exchange boats swapped prisoners — or, 
to be more explicit, all the Union soldiers placed on this 
exchange-roll had to be carried aboard on a stretcher, unless, 
minus a limb, they could use crutches. 

We had been in this prison from the 13th till the 20th, 
when the rolls were completed for exchange. These four 
hundred for exchange had occupied the four floors of the 
building. During this time, on the first floor at least fifteen 
had died. On each floor the Confederates had a detail of 
four or five able-bodied Union soldiers to act as nurses for 
the sick and wounded. These nurses were not included on 
the roll for exchange. I must state these nurses were very 
kind and attentive, and did the best they could for our men, 
considering they had but very little to do with. One of 
these nurses dropped on a plan to get away in this manner: 

On the night of October 20th was to commence the 
transfer of the sick and wounded prisoners from Castle 
Thunder to the boat to go down the river. The rolls had 
been called two or three times during the afternoon. Just 
before night, on a cot near me was a Pennsylvania soldier (I 
cannot now recall the name) who was delirious, and about 
ready to answer the roll-call from on high. Presently he 
pulled his remnant of blanket over his head — and died. 
Those around him could not tell just the time, within an 
hour, when he passed away. Shortly after, one of the able- 
bodied nurses came around and raised the blanket and dis- 
covered the lifeless form. No one around recollected his 
name, although they had heard him, but a short time before, 
answer to it when the exchange-roll was called. The nurse 
then examined his memorandum-book and found his name; 
he then took possession of the contents of deceased man's 
pockets, requesting those near by to keep quiet. He then 
covered the man over with the blanket, and went awav. 



346 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Shortly the hospital steward came around. This nurse 
returned, and, in an innocent way, discovered the dead man 
— the steward could not learn his name. The remains were, 
by steward's order, removed to dead-house and given a 
number as one of the "unknown." 

Just after dark this nurse came and laid down on the 
cot lately occupied by dead man, and covered up his head. 
About midnight the transfer commenced. The officer would 
call a name; they would answer "Here!" " Are you able to 
walk?" "No." "Send him a stretcher." Then the nurses 
would i)lace the soldier on the stretcher and carry him out 
to the ambulance. After awhile they reached the name of 
the dead soldier that occupied this cot. The name was 
called; the nurse made a faint rej^ly, "Here!" "Are you 
able to walk?" "No." "Send him a stretcher." 

They lifted the form on the stretcher. He was " not as 
light as the usual loads,"' they remarked, as they lugged him 
away; "this fellow has not fallen away much! Guess we 
had better leave him till he gets thinner!" But they did 
not happen to detect the game, and placed him in the ambu- 
lance. When I was taken on the boat I happened to be 
placed by the side of this nurse, and when they carried him 
off to the Union boat the same remarks were made about 
him being so heavy. Just as soon as the boats separated— 
the Union boat returning down the James, and the Confed- 
erate up towards Kichmond with a load of able-bodied men 
in return for our lot of invalids, there was one of our num- 
ber that very suddenly bounded on his feet and turned a 
hand-spring — to the delight of those interested in the suc- 
cessful scheme of escape. 

The nurse now declared that as soon as he could obtain 
a furlough, he would go to the family of the deceased prison- 
er and deliver to them tlie articles taken from the body, and 
also give them the number he was buried under. You may 
judge how happy this fellow was to get away from prison. 



new york stragglers. 347 

New York Stragglers. 

In January, 18()3, after the regiment had re-enlisted as 
veterans, they left Hilton Head, South Carolina, for Illinois, 
to spend their thirty days' furlough. They came by sea to 
New York city. Every man had four or five hundi-ed dol- 
lars, and was prepared to have a good time. The regiment 
came up to New York on two different boats — one battalion 
reaching New York twenty-four hours in advance of the 
other. This gave them an opportunity to take in the New 
York sights. After leaving New York city, when roll was 
called to take cars for Chicago at Jersey City, there were 
fourteen men missing. They were back in the city. The 
list was as follows: Sibert, Smith, Company A; Shaifer, 
Jenkins, Griffith and Rairey, Company C; Eoot, Swabbs, 
Company D ; Sergeant Hanson, Company E ; Bailey, Loch- 
ren. Company E; Cohlin, Company H; Carr, Company I; 
Alex. Cordell, Company K, and one from Company B. 

Colonel Mann detailed Sergeant Slagle, of Company K, 
to return and hunt up and bring on these stragglers in a 
great city. The .Sergeant was introduced to Mr. C. H. 
Yaness, of 240 Broadway, who would assist him in getting 
the transportation to Chicago. He then found out from 
each company where these men were last seen, and returned 
to the city. Inside of an hour and a half he succeeded in 
finding all. The man from Company B got away, and stayed 
for some time after. 

These men were loud ones, and with plenty of money 
were bent on having a good time, and did; but many of 
this number were good soldiers, and lost their lives during 
the battles of the following summer. All were "painting 
the city red." One had rooms at the Astor House; another 
at the Eifth Avenue Hotel.' They were a jolly and loud set 
as they were escorted down to the ferry by a squad of 
Broadway police. When they boarded the train for Chicago 



348 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

they took a car for themselves, had big times, reaching 
Chicago in good shape in advance of the regiment. 

"Sellick's Brigade," "Christ," "Deacon," "Preacher," 
"Grubby," "Pretty," "Motsey," "The Brute," "The Longest 
Corporal," "Old Scullion," "Happy Jack," "Uncle Hub- 
bard," were characters in Company K. All except one or 
two were good soldiers. "Sellick's Brigade" did not gain 
much of a record. One time he got into trouble for making 
a suggestion to Colonel Light, at Indianapolis, when en 
route for the East. Cars were limited to two on a seat, and 
no chance to do better. Colonel Light was passing through 
the cars and placing the men, seeing that there were no 
reserved seats, when " Sellick," in an officious way, said to 
him, " Colonel, damn it, if you will put the fire out of the 
stove, you can seat tivo men on the stove''"'! The Colonel 
had Mr. Sellick placed under arrest, and a man to guard 
him, and made room for two without disturbing the stove. 



The Skirmish of June 16th. 

letter from sergeant e. j. thayer to captain george 

o. snowden. 

Camp Thibty -Ninth Illinois, June 18th, J 864. 
Dear Caj)tain: Your letter of the 14th found me on the picket line 
yesterday. I was very glad to hear from you and that you were doing so 
well, and that the rest of the officers were doing finely. Remember me to 
the Major and tell him our boys are paying the " rebs " for damage done, 
and we think have some the start. Day before yesterday the "rebs" 
abandoned our front, so the picket reported at midnight; by eight o'clock 
they had advanced to their big forts in Howlett's field and found all gone. 
Got thirty or forty prisoners, some muskets, etc. The troops were speedily 
put under arms and marched to the front. Our regiment was deployed as 
skirmishers, and from the forts to the pike had the extreme front. Saw 
no " rebs," however, save about one hundred that gave themselves up. As 
soon as we struck the pike the pioneers pitched into the telegraph wire 
and before we left had cut three miles, removing the wire and burying it. 
A couple of regiments also went to the railroad and tore up a mile or so 
of track, warping the rails with tire. As soon as we were on the pike we 
moved by the right flank about three-quarters of a mile to that house. 



THE SKIRMISH OF JUNE 16TH. 349 

where we lay in line of battle across the road the evening of the 16th ult. 
On the other side of the field was plenty of " rebs." We held them as long 
as we could and then fell back slowly to the first line of rebel pits. The 
Third New Hampshire were on our right. Captain Rudd got an ugly 
wound in the rear of the picket line. From there we went back to camp 
and got supper, and then out on picket. After we left, the " rebs " drove 
our forces from the fort and our advance was in that ditch we dug the 20th. 
The " rebs " had tilled them up, but as soon as we were posted I took some 
men and went to camji, got a lot of shovels, and opened them again. 

All was quiet until three a.m., when the murmur of voices told us that 
" Johnny Reb " was getting ready for a spree. As soon as it was light 
enough to see, the videttes reported two lines of " rebs " in our front, cov- 
ering a fatigue party building an abattis. We hauled in the videttes and 
opened out heavy on them about three hundred yards distant. They gave 
us a volley or two and then broke for their pits. Then all day there was 
the devil to pay. If you didn't want to be shot at, keep out of sight. 
About two o'clock they made a break on the Seventh New Hampshire in 
about the place they came on us on the 2d, and sent them back kiting. 
Opened the Eighty-Fifth flank and they fell back and that left us open. 
A, B and part of K were on the reserve . Captain W'illiams was in com- 
mand of the picket line and Baker of the whole. Williams was at the 
reserve when the fuss commenced, and John found himself the only oflBcer 
in the three left companies. Not thinking it prudent to let them get too 
far to the left and rear of us, he ordered a retreat, and we fell back to what 
used to be the " rebs " advance pits. Taking the shovel again, we soon 
reversed them, and with our reserves made a good line of battle. Com- 
pany I and the Twenty-Fourth Massachusetts kept their position on the old 
line, and Companies F, G and K were deployed as skirmishers to protect 
their flank. 

In this position we lay until night, when we again took our pits as far 
as where that road crosses the pits to the right of where we were on the 2d, 
and Company B was put out on our flank as skirmishers and at right 
angles with our line. H did not come up, so D was the left of the line. 
We had not been there more than five minutes when they opened a fire 
from a line of battle on our flank and at the same time from the front. 
B left us in no time, and D, E, I and F moved by the right flank until we 
found ourselves in line of battle; then I broke round about half of D for 
flankers. As I was going to the left of the line a shell jiassed and exploded 
right by ray head, knocking me on my hands and knees. I thought I 
was hit, but not finding any blood I did not mind it until the fuss was 
over, when I found I was stunned and hurt a good deal. I was sick when 
I went from camp, and the hard work on the skirmish and digging pits, 
the excitement and shell, quite laid me up, so after all was quiet and no 
prospect of a relief I came to camp about midnight. The company had 
not lost any at noon to-day, and about fifteen or twenty in the regiment. 
Two or three killed; one in K, and Sergeant Harris of Company A. 



350 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

The Sixth, Second and Fifth Corps are here, and I expect that they 
-wiU charge the "rebs" to-night, or at least relieve our boys, who have now> 
been on picket forty-eight hours, and that after a big day's work in skir- 
mishing through the most infernal hot hole on a hot day. General Terry, 
when we deployed, ordered us to fix our bayonets. Wan't that smart? 
Godfrey was on vidette on the pike, and seeing two "Johnnies" advanced 
alone and ordered them to throw down their arms and surrender, which 
they did, but felt rather cheap when they saw only one little " Yank " to 
yank them in. Our company took four. 

Rumor says that we have twentj-five pieces of cannon at headquar- 
ters captured at Petersburg yesterday and day before. They have been on 
a big fight there for two days now. I have commenced on our rolls. 

Hoping you may be soon with us, I am, with respect. 

Yours truly, E. J. Thayeb. 



General Shields Gives the Band an Irish 
"Compliment." 

The second day's march out from Front Eoyal, Va., 
was fearfully rainy ; water literally tumbled from the clouds 
during the day and until about the time the division filed 
into a large field of stout timothy for bivouac. The "dog 
tents" were soon spread and occupied by a tired lot of 
bedraggled soldiers. General Shields and staff took shelter 
in an inviting farm-house near by our camp. His host 
proved to be a jolly old Scotchman whose sideboard was 
overfiowing with ancient apple-jack. Was it necessary to 
inform an Irish veteran of two wars that this was a sure 
cure for all the ills that a drenching day could engender? 
The General drank himself dry, and with this drouth came 
the thirst for music. 

At nine o'clock at night Colonel Osborn was aroused by 
an "aid" from Shields Avho sent his compliments and a 
request that he would report with his band for some music. 
For a moment Colonel Osborn hesitated. The band men 
were tired and probably sound asleep, but this was a request 
from the Division commander and brought to him by a staff 
officer. It must be granted if possible. The Colonel found 



REMINISCENCES OF SURGEON S. C. BLAKE. 351 

his way to the quarters of the musicians and heard no noise 
save the stertor of the nose. The request is made, however, 
in eloquent terms, and soon the weary band is regaling the 
old Scotchman and his Irish military friend with choice 
music. 

General Shields in time made kis appearance, and at 
the close of a short rambling speech he told the band that 
they could return to their quarters, assuring them that he 
expected soon to hear them "play mi(ch hefier music than 
you have given to-night, in the fallen city of Richmond." 

Leader Lace, like most musicians, was exceedingly 
sensitive. He had a good band, and a choice selection of 
music, and knew it. It was difKcult for him, therefore, to 
pass lightly by the reflection the General had carelessly cast 
upon them, and on his return he was exceedingly wroth 
and showered words of no very elegant prose on Shields. 
Hoping to soothe and calm his perturbed spirit one of the 
officers assured him that it was but a little "Irish bull" 
that the General had given him, and that he must so con- 
sider it. "No little Irish bull about it!" retorted Lace. 
"It is a full-grown jackass! " 



Eeminiscences of Surgeon S. C. Blake. 
female spies. 

When the regiment arrived at "Williamsport, Md., two 
female spies came into the camp and asked to see the com- 
mander of the post. These women were sisters. One of 
them was a sinofle woman and the other was a widow. From 
their appearance, they had been exposed to severe Aveather, 
and had been on a hard tramp. They had also evidently 
been camping in the woods, as their clothes were soiled and 
badly torn, and they looked as if they had had no oppor- 
tunity to wash their faces and hands for a number of days. 
These women claimed to be Union spies, and told our com- 



352 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

mander that they had important mformatioii to impart in 
reference to the strength, condition, and position of the 
enemy on the other side of the river in Virginia. It turned 
out that the women were what they represented themselves 
to be. We found out that they were sisters, born and 
reared in Martinsburg, Va., but had been faithful to the 
Union and loyal to their country, and were ready to sacrifice 
even their lives for its preservation. The oldest sister, some 
few weeks after they came to us, while making a visit to the 
enemy's camp, was arrested and tried as a spy, but was so 
ably defended by a Confederate officer, a companion and 
friend, from childhood, of the brave and loyal women, and who 
was also a very able lawyer, that she escaped punishment. 

These were remarkable women— intelligent, brave, and 
loyal to the cause of the Union. They had been loyal to the 
Nation from the commencement of its trouble, and did not 
fail to make known their patriotism to their neighbors. As 
soon as the war commenced these patriotic women placed 
the National fiag over their front door, and would not allow 
it to be taken down, although it was often undertaken; but 
the brave women defended it, saying they would defend it 
with their lives; and although a military guard was placed 
at their house and kept there until our army entered Mar- 
tinsburg, the guard allowed it to remain rather than have a 
fight with women. 80 all persons who entered their house 
had to pass under the United States flag. 

For some weeks before our army entered Martinsburg 
we had missed the return of our fair spies, and had come to 
the conclusion that they had been arrested and perhaps 
executed, but we found them safe and ready with a warm 
welcome for us. They had been so perfectly guarded since 
the trial of one of them for being a spy that they could not 
come to us. 

It so happened that the lady who was tried for being a 
spy had an opportunity to show her gratitude to her Con- 



DR. DE NORMANDIE ON GUARD. 353 

fetlerate friend who so ably and gallantly defended her. 
When our regiment entered Martinsburg this friend, who was 
a Major in the Confederate army, was captured with a friend 
who was a surgeon in that army. When Major Munn and 
Surgeon S. C. Blake arrived at Martinsbarg these ladies 
besougfht them to use their influence with the commandino^ 
officer of the place to secure a parole for these officers, who 
were then occupying a cell in the county jail. In considera- 
tion of the services rendered by the gallant Major in behalf 
of our loyal friend, which no one else would undertake for 
her, Munn and Blake gladly used their offices to secure their 
parole, and succeeded, to the delight of all, especially the 
lady Avliose life had been saved by the Major's earnest 
efforts. 

These brave and patriotic women should certainly have 
a prominent place in the history of our country. 



De. De Nokmandie on Guard. 

The following incident will show how little true con- 
ception our volunteer army had of the discipline and rigid 
enforcement of army regulations necessary for efficient and 
effective service in actual warfare. Soon after we arrived at 
Williamsport, Md., an extensive epidemic of measles broke 
out in our regiment. About iive hundred members of the 
regiment had the disease, — most of them, however, in a mild 
form ; and as it was mild and very pleasant weather, only 
about ninety were obliged to be taken care of in the hos- 
pital. 

Of course there was no regular hospital in a small 
village like Williamsport, consequently Surgeon Blake was 
obliged to extemporize a hospital. The ninety patients in 
this hospital were very sick and caused the attending sur- 
geons a great deal of anxiety. Among others, Company A 
had quite a number of very sick members. Captain Munn, 



354 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

of this Company, afterwards Major of the regiment, was very 
solicitous about his men, and anxious that they should have 
the best of care. He, like many other officers, had recruited 
his company from among his neighbors and acquaintances, 
and was prompted by his warm heart and patriotic zeal to 
promise the wives, sisters, and sweethearts of the recruits 
that he would see that the}' were well taken care of, and 
especially when they were sick or wounded; and now it 
seemed to these officers the time had come for the fulfillment 
of these promises. 

Surgeons Blake and Clark fully aj^preciated the respon- 
sibility so suddenly thrown upon them, and were obliged to 
make very stringent rules for the government of the hospital, 
and in order to prevent interference with their duties. Sur- 
geon Blake issued an order that no one should visit the 
hospital unless having a pass either from the Surgeon or 
Assistant Surgeon. As soon as these officers learned this 
fact they were very angry, and boldly announced that no 
d — d surgeons were going to interfere with their looking 
after their men, and that they would soon convince these 
surgeons that they would visit the hospital when they 
pleased. 

Consequently a number of officers, headed by Captain 
Munn, in a very determined and boisterous manner started 
for the hospital. Upon arriving at the door of tlie hospital 
they were halted by a guard, who of course had not seen 
much real service, and as his superior officers demanded to 
pass, the guard was trying to persuade them to desist and 
first get a pass; but Captain Munn told the guard that he 
would give him to understand, and also Surgeon Blake, that 
no d — d surgeon could keep them from visiting their men 
when they pleased. De Normandie, Avho was then hospital 
steward, hearing the noise at the door of the hospital went 
to ascertain what the trouble was, and Captain Munn informed 
him; the Doctor, taking up his new Springfield rifle and 



DR. DE NORMANDIE ON GUARD. 355 

stepping back a few feet, placed the gim to his shoiilder, 
saying, 

"Captain Munn, you are my friend and the captain of 
my company, and you ought to know better than to attempt 
to force a guard; and I can assure you that unless you have 
a pass from one of the surgeons you cannot enter this hos- 
pital, and if you attempt it I will put a bullet through your 
body or the body of anybody else who attempts it." 

Captain Munn afterwards said that the " old Doc," as 
he called him, showed by his eye that he meant business. 
These officers, now more enraged than ever, started for the 
headquarters of the commander of the regiment. Colonel 
T. O, Osborn. As it happened. Colonel Osborn, with the 
Colonel of the Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment, and 
other officers, was visiting Surgeon Blake at his quarters, 
and while pleasantly conversing about affairs of the com- 
mand in rushed Captain Munn with his fellow officers, and 
in great excitement began to abuse the surgeons and es- 
pecially Surgeon Blake, telling the Colonel what an outrage 
had been committed towards himself and comrades. To the 
great chagrin of both Captain Munn and his comrades, the 
Colonel coolly informed them that he had no control over 
the medical department of the regiment, and advised them ' 
to go to their quarters and look at the army regulations, and 
see what sort of a position they had placed themselves in. 

On the next morning after this episode, as Surgeon 
Blake was sitting on the front porch of his quarters, he saw 
coming down the street a little squad of officers, but they 
looked very meek and were apparently in very earnest con- 
versation about some serious affair. When they saw the 
Surgeon, Captain Munn called him one side, and in a most 
anxious manner asked him what he was going to do about 
the affair of last night. The Surgeon, with an apparently 
offended air, very coolly said to the Captain that he had not 
yet determined what he would do about it. Whereupon the 



356 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Captain in an excited manner replied that he had heard that 
the Surgeon intended to have them all court-martialed; and 
then in a most imploring way, said: 

" Blake, do you know that if you call a court-martial 
we shall all be shot? The regulations say that to attempt 
to force a guard while in active service shall be punished by 
death! For God's sake, let's settle the matter. We made 
d— d fools of ourselves, and will assure you that we will 
never be guilty of such foolishness again." 

Surgeon Blake, after keeping them on the anxious-seat 
for a few days, never had occasion to mention the matter 
again. This incident did more to establish discipline in the 
regiment than anything that ever happened to it. 

It is gratifying to be able to state that every man who 
was sick at that time recovered, and that this severe attack 
of sickness thoroughly established the surgeons in the con- 
fidence of the entire regiment, which was never lost during 
the war. 



The Wilmington Monument. 

The modest white shaft, but one foot square at its base 
and six feet in height, which marks the burial place of 
Adjutant Joseph D. Walker at Oakwoods Cemetery, Wil- 
mington, 111., is also the cenotaph Avhereon is recorded the 
names of many comrades who fell in battle or died of wounds 
and disease from Companies A and E of the Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry. It is located in a 
beautiful spot on the bluff of the east branch of the majestic 
Kankakee river, within one hundred and fifty feet of the 
tranquil water, which is only disturbed by the occasional 
passing of a canal steamer, or ruffled by the storm-winds 
that whistle a requiem over the graves of fifty or more 
martyrs representing various commands in the great " War 
of the Rebellion." It is laden with flowers annually, and 



THE WILMINGTON MONUMENT. 357 

often visited by the friends of those whose names are 
modestly chiselled in the snow-white marble. 

On the front or east-side surface of the shaft are the 
names of — 

Adjutant JOSEPH D. WALKER. 

Lieutenant JOSEPH W. RICHARDSON, Company A. 

Lieutenant JOHN CONLEY, Company E. 

On the south front is inscribed the names of — 

Sekgeant DAVID M. HANSON. 

Sekgeant GEORGE W. BURTON. 

ALEXANDER GRAY. 

ALMON MERRILL. 

THOMAS STEWART. 

WALTER VAN DEBOGART. 

JAMES McMASTER. 

All of Company E. 

While on the north siirface of the shaft appear the follow- 
ing names : 

Sergeant GEORGE W. YATES. 

WILLIAM BUTTERFIELD. 

IRA NICHOLS. 

ANDREW' SEYBERT. 

GEORGE LYONS. 

HENRY STARKWEATHER. 

JOSEPH CARTER. 

HUGH ROURKE. 

All of Company A. 

And the name of Major S. W. Munn, who organized 
Company A, will be added before the regimental re-union 

of 1889. 

Teems of Surrender: 

Appomattox Coubt House, Va., April 9th. 1865. 
General Robert E. Lee, Coininancling C. S. A. 

General: — In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of 
the 8th inst., I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern 
Virginia on the following terms; to wit: Rolls of all the oflBcers and men to 
be made in duplicate — one copy to be given to an officer designated by me, 
the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate 



358 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against 
the Government of the United States, until properly exchanged, and each 
Company or Regimental Commander to sign a like parole for the men of 
their command. The arms, artillery and public property, to be packed 
and stacked and turned over to the officer appointed by me to receive them. 
This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses, 
or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to 
their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authorities so long as 
they observe their parole and the laws in force where they may reside. 
Very Respectfully, 

(Signed) U. S. Gkant, Lieut.-General. 
Official: 

E. S. Pabkee, Lieut.-Col. and A. A. A. G. 



The Place of Lee's Surrender. 

\^From, Old and New for August.] 

It lias been popularly reported that the first interview 
between the two commanders took place under an apple-tree, 
which has consequently been crowned with historic associa- 
tions. This is false. The fact is that on the morning of the 
9th of April, General Lee, with a single member of his staff, 
was resting under an apple-tree, when Colonel Babcock, of 
General Grant's staff, came up under a flag of truce, saying 
that if General Lee remained where he was, General Grant 
would come to him by the road the latter was then pursuing. 
This was the only interview under or near the apple-tree; 
and it may be mentioned here, that the following day Colonel 
Marshall, who attended General Lee on the occasion, \vas 
surprised to find Federal soldiers hacking at the tree, and 
was amused at their idea of obtaining from it mementoes 
of the surrender. Obtaining news of Grant's approach, 
General Lee at once ordered Colonel Marshall to find a fit 
and convenient house for the interview. Colonel Marshall 
applied to the first citizen he met, Mr. Wilmer McLean, and 
was directed to a house vacant and dismantled. He refused 
to use it; and Mr. McLean then offered to conduct him and 
the General to his own residence, a comfortable frame house, 



THE PLACE OF LEE'S SURRENDER. 359 

witli a long portico and convenient ''sitting room,"'' furnished 
after tlie bare style of the times. The house was about half 
a mile distant from General Lee's camp. The Confederate 
commander was attended only by one of his aids. Colonel 
Marshall, a youthful, boyish-looking scion of the old and 
illustrious Marshall family of Virginia, who had been the 
constant companion of General Lee in his campaigns, and, 
as his private secretary, had done good literary service in 
the preparation of reports of battles, etc., which are now 
historical. With Grant, there were several of his staff-offi- 
cers, and a number of Federal Generals, including Ord and 
Sheridan, entered the room, and joined in the slight general 
conversation that took place there. The interview opened 
without the least ceremony. The story has been frequently 
repeated, that General Lee tendered his sword, and that 
General Grant returned it with a complimentary remark. 
There was no such absurdity. General Lee wore his sword 
(which was not his usual habit) ; and, on the exchange of 
salutations. General Grant remarked, "I must apologize, 
General, for not wearing my sword; it had gone off in my 
baggage when I -received your note." General Lee bowed, 
and at once, and without further conversation, asked that 
General Grant would state, in writing if he preferred it, the 
terms on which he would receive the surrender of the Army 
of Northern Virginia. General Grant complied by sitting 
down at a table in the room, and writing with a common 
lead-pencil the note so well remembered. 



360 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



CONFEDEEATE SONG COMMEMORATING THE FlEST BULL BuN 

Battle, July 21st, 1861. 

THE NEW " WAIT FOR THE WAGON." 

Tune—" Wait for the Wagon:' 

ABE came unto Manassas. 

With all his gas and pride, 
Resolving, when he'd gained the day, 

To take a jolly ride! 
But Johnson he drove hard and fast, 

Jeflf. Davis held the reins. 
While Beauregard and Jackson 
Rushed on with might and main. 
Chonts: Abe came in his wagon, 
Scott came in his wagon, 
Wilson came in his wagon. 
To take a jolly ride. 

Valiant " Fuss and feathers," 

And many more beside, 
In the Confed'rate wagon swore 

They'd all take a ride. 
A goodly number of the " Rump," 

With many Ladies ( ? ?) fair. 
To feast upon the " picnic," 

And take a ride, were there. 

Chorns: Greeley waited for the wagon, 
Seward waited for the wagon,- 
Riddle waited for the wagon. 
All bent upon a ride. 

They couldn't stand the rifles 

Of the " Old Dominion " boys; 
Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, 

For Abe made too much noise: 
They sloped, and made for Jericho, 

Like mules in a stampede— 
John Gilpin's famous birth-day race 

Fell short on them for speed. 

Chorns: They shrieked aloud for wagons— 
For any sort of wagons— 
For all sorts of wagons, 
To ride to Washington. 



THE NEW " WAIT FOR THE WAGON." 361 

Scott being fat and fluffy. 

Not fancying the fun, 
Resolved to be the first to start, 

And get to Washington. 
He staid not for his wagon. 

So great his terror grew — 
Eggs might have laid on his coat-tail, 

So devilish fast he flew. 

Chorus: So "Fussy" left his wagon, 
His pretty fancy wagon. 
In which he meant to Richmond 
To take that famous ride. 

Just such another wild-goose chase 

Was never seen before. 
Pots, kettles, pans, legs, heads and arms. 

Were strewed ten miles, or more; 
They dropped their Turkey " fixins," 

Champagne and hand-cuffs too; 
Like beaten hounds, the Yankee thieves 

In wild disorder flew. 

Chorus: They ran and left their wagons. 
Their ammunition wagons. 
They never thought of wagons — 
So they had " nary " ride. 

There's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip. 

As the Yankees have found out, 
Their army grand was broken up, 

In most disgraceful rout. 
Old " Fussy " has lost his renown. 

To warriors most sweet. 
His laurels trampled in the dust 

Beneath the Baboon's feet. 

Chorus: Now glory to our Wagon, 

Our dear Confed'rate Wagon; 
In our new Secession Wagon 
We'll have a jolly ride. 



362 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

The Kegimental Flags and the Eagle. 
Mention lias heretofore been made of the regimental 
banners, and how obtained. They are now safely placed in 
the Archives of the State— the scarred, torn, silent yet 
eloquent witnesses of the heroism displayed by her patriotic 
sons on many a well-contested field for the supremacy of the 
right over injustice and wrong-doing. The two regulation 
United States flags— one presented by the daughter of 
Colonel C, P. Arion, and the other won at a prize drill in 
Chicago— were carried throughout our whole term of service 
from October 11th, 1861, to the final discharge at the 
capital of the State, December . 16th, 1865. They have 
gaily waved and flaunted through the valleys and over the 
mountains of Western Virginia, and have victoriously 
floated in the sun-kissed breezes of the Sea Islands of South 
Carolina; their folds have been rent and riddled by swift- 
flying missiles and stained by the battle-smoke of many 
campaigns in the "Old Dominion" ; they have marked the 
rallying point for the final assault, and have been planted on 
many battlements with the cry of Victory. 

Crowning the staff of the blue banner presented to the 
regiment by Governor Eichard Yates is a magnificent bronze 
eagle bearing the following inscription: 

" Presented to 

The Thiety-Ninth Illinois Veteean Volunteees 

By Majoe-Geneeal John Gibbons, 

Commanding Twenty-Fourth Army Corps, 

For Gallantry in the Assault upon Fort Gregg, 

Petersburg, Va., April 2d, 1865." 

The presentation took place at a grand review of the 
corps held at Eichmond, Va., in the early days of May, 
1865 — General Gibbons making the presentation in person, 
accompanied by some very flattering remarks. 

In this assault, which was witnessed by General Grant, 
who pronounced it one of the most brilliant affairs of the 



THE REQUA BATTERY. 363 

war, it was the first standard planted upon the fort — the key 
that unlocked the doors of Eichmond; but ere it gained an 
entrance, sixty of 'the brave men who fought to siipport it 
were smitten by the missiles of the enemy, and sixteen of 
that number lie side by side nnder the shadow of that 
stronghold where they fell. 

At Appomattox Court House, on the yth of April, it , 
was ao-ain foremost in the conflict which compelled the 
surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. On both 
occasions, at Fort Gregg and at Appomattox* the brave men 
who bore it were shot down. The Color-Sergeant, Henry 
M. Day, who was wounded when planting it on Fort Gregg, 
was rewarded by the AVar Department with a medal of 
honor. The deep cut near the center of the colors was made 
by the thrust of a rebel bayonet when it was planted upon 
the parapet. The other rents, and they are numerous, mark 
the passage of whizzing minie balls and whirring grape and 
shrapnel. 

If these old banners could speak in other fashion, what 
a tale they would unfold, and with what interest would we 
not listen! 

The Eequa Battery. 
This battery, used in the operations on Morris Island, 
S. C, consisted of six pieces, each piece or section com- 
prising twenty-five heavy rifled gun-barrels, mounted on a 
two-wheeled carriage. The accompanying illustration of a 
section of it will give a much better idea than a written 
description. The barrels could be elevated or depressed and 
spread fan-shape to cover a greater lateral range if neces- 
sary. It was loaded at the breech, the cartridges being 
fixed upon a bar and taken from the caisson in that manner 
— the bar, in fact, being the breech of the gun — and all the 
cartridges Avere exploded simultaneously by pulling a lan- 
yard. 



364 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

In case of an assault at short range, each section or 
piece of the battery was intended to be as effective and 
would throw as much lead as a regiment of men in a given 
time. Sections of this battery were stationed along the 
advanced lines at the siege of Fort Wagner, and proved to 
be of especial service in protecting the sappers and miners 
while extending their parallels. The men required to oper- 
ate it were detailed from various regiments, and at the time 
it was photographed, as is shown, the full battery was 
manned by details from the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, Third 
Vermont, and Ninth Maine regiments, and was commanded 
by First Lieutenant A. W. Wheeler, Company K, and 
Second Lieutenant E. Kingsbury. Company E, of the 
Thirty-Ninth regiment. Among the detail from the Thirty- 
Ninth were Sergeant Daniel Smouse, of Company K, Cor- 
poral George Burton, and Privates W. W. Ely, Charles C. 
Hudson, Thomas Kinney and Hugh R. Snell, with some 
few others whose names are not recalled. 

The section in charge of Corporal Burton and Ely and 
Snell did excellent service in supporting the charge made 
by the Twenty-Fourth Massachusetts one evening in the 
month of August, 1863, to dislodge the rebel sharpshooters 
in front of Wagner, the rapidity of firing and the well- 
directed aim of the piece rendering it very unsafe for the 
rebels within the fort to go to the assistance of their sharp- 
shooters in the rifle-pits outside, and they were easily 
captured. But as soon as the battery disclosed its wherea- 
bouts, Forts Gregg and Moultrie and the mortars at Sumter 
opened a most vigorous fire upon it for a short time, but 
without effecting much damage. 

One section of the battery was placed out on a platform 
erected iii the water some distance from the beach, and pro- 
tected by bags of sand. It was often the target for the 
enemy's guns. 

The detail to this battery were not kept so busy but 



THE REQUA BATTERY. 365 

that they found ample time to concoct schemes for mischief, 
and opportunity to execute them. Judging from the "yarns '^ 
Comrade W. W. Ely tells on some of that detail, they were 
not exceptionally moral or honest: but here is the oppor- 
tunity to judge for yourselves. 

He says: "One evening when the sutler went away 
from his quarters, leaving his ' cullud ' servant ' Lias ' in 
charge of his establishment, some of the boys put up a job 
on ' Lias ' to get some of the delicacies in store. ' Lias ' was 
a very honest, frugal and economic darkey and disliked very 
much to see anything wasted; and the boys, taking advan- 
tage of this peculiarity, played him a trick. Securing a 
canteen and filling it with colored water they proceeded to 
the tent and awoke the negro and told him that they had 
whisky, and also that they were obliged to get rid of it: and 
suiting the action to the word commenced to turn it out 
upon the ground. 

"'Hor on! hoF on!' says 'Lias;" ' doan yo' frow away 
dat stuff — gib it hyar;' and he started in search of some- 
thing to hold it. And while he was so employed they had 
the desired opportunity to execute a well-matured plan. 
Ely continues: 

" As the streaks of dawn made their appearance over 
Sumter and Charleston harbor, two men were throwing the 
last shovelful of dirt over the resting-place of tAventy-four 
kegs of Sutler Brown's choice pickled pig's-feet, put aAvay 
as a reserve for luncheon."' 

We close with the relation of one other incident wherein 
the boys of the battery made another "spec,'' but in a little 
different way, which shows how fertile they were in expe- 
dients. 

At one time when the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Col- 
ored regiment was holding a revival meeting in their camp, 
some of the boys gathered together a lot of empty cham- 
pagne-cider bottles in the region of the sutler's establish- 



366 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 






ment and filled them with water colored with coffee-grounds. 
These they nicely corked, sealed and boxed, and one of the 
number, wearing a nayy cap and blouse which had been 
picked up somewhere near the wharf, carried the box over 
into the camp of the negroes to sell. Nearing the vicinity 
of the meeting, which was attended with all the customary 
shouting and enthusiasm of the colored brethren, he came 
to a tent where the occupants were engaged in something 
very dissimilar to prayer and praise — they were playing 
poker; and besides, they were actively "cussing" about the 
loud shouting, which seemed to disturb their game. Think- 
ing that the place to sell cider was where they " cuss " 
Christians, the " peddler " poked his head in and asked 
them if they wanted to buy some good champagne-cider, 
pretending that he was just off the vessel then lying in the 
harbor. "Ob cou'se we'll buy cider!" said one, and a bar- 
gain was soon made for the whole lot; and before the corks 
could be pulled and the cider sampled, the "pseudo" sailor 
was out of reach with twenty-five dollars in greenbacks. 



poem dedicated to the thirty-ninth. 3(37 

Poem. 

Dedicated to the Thirty-Ninth Illiuois Volunteers, by Mary C. White, wife of J. R. 
White, of Company K. 

When dangers internal our native land threatened, 

And our flag in the Southland was trailed to the earth: 

When the cloud of " Secession " burst on us in fury, 

And Liberty bled in the home of her birth; 

Then like wild-fire along the brave North flew the watchword, 

Our land, undivided, forever shall be! 

From the lakes of the North to fair Mexico's border, 

And across its broad expanse from sea unto sea. 

From farm and from workshop, from office and college. 

The Nation's defenders came gallantly forth. 

They had but one thought, 'twas their Country's sore peril, 

And they pledged her their service, brave sons of the North! 

They fought with a foeman most worthy their metal; 

The conflict was fierce, but the vict'ry complete; 

They fought with a faith that ne'er wavered or faltered, 

'Till they rescued success from the jaws of defeat. 

But the lives of brave men was the price of their triumph. 
For they fell on the field that their valor had won ; 
Or in marsh, or in jungle, or prison-pen loathsome. 
They languished and died 'neath the fierce Southern sun. 
The remnant, b^' wounds and diseases enfeebled. 
Returned to their homes to do battle for life; 
Their hearts undefiled by the malice of hatred, 
Animosities dropped, with the ending of strife. 

Yes! when our proud banner with stars undiminished. 
On the soft Southern breezes again rose and fell. 
Then the soldier re-echoed the voice of his chieftain — 
"'We are brothers forever! in peace let us dwell." 
Oh, battle-scarred veterans, our heroes forever! 
We will weave your brave deeds in undying song; 
We will cast you in bronzes and carve you in marble, 
And enshrine you forever! our saviors from wrong. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



THE FIELD AND STAFF. 

Who They Were and What Has Become of Them — Roster and Biography — 
The Non-Commissioned Staff — Shoulder-Straps and Chevrons — The 
Original Band— The Band of 1864-'65. 



Roster of Field and Staef. 

Colonel Austin Light. Received his commission July 22d, 1861; 
dismissed the service of the United States November 25th, 1861. Is 
still living, and is a resident of Chicago, 111., employed by the West- 
ern News Company. 

Colonel Thomas O. Osborn. Promoted vice Austin Light, dis- 
missed the service. Promoted to Brigadier-General May 11th, 1865. 
Wounded May 14th, 1864, at Drury's BlufiE, Va., while leading the 
regiment to a position in support of a battery of artillery. After 
his recovery he rejoined his regiment, and was assigned to the com- 
mand of the First Brigade, First Division, Twenty-Fourth Army 
Corps. He led this brigade in the assault on Fort Gregg, Va., April 
2d, 1865; at Rice's Station, April 7th; and at Appomattox, April 9th, 
1865, where his horse (" Old Mack ") was shot from under him. 

General Osborn was born in Jersey, Licking county, Ohio, August 
11th, 1832. He received his education at the University of Ohio, from 
which he graduated at the head of his class. Soon after leaving college 
he commenced the study of law at Crawfordsville, Ind., with Lewis Wallace, 
late Major-General of Volunteers. After being admitted to the bar, he 
removed to Chicago, 111., in the winter of 1868, to commence the practice 
of his profession, locating his office in the old Tremont building on Dear- 
born street. 

When the " War of the Rebellion " was inaugurated, he with some of 
his friends enlisted in a company then organizing. For some reason this 
company was never fully recruited, and failed in getting accepted into the 
three months' service. It eventually, however, became the nucleus of the 
Thirty Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers. 

The record General Osborn made during the war is one that he may 
well feel proud of. After the engagement with the enemy on the 14th day 
of May, 1864, he was breveted Brigadier - General for brave and dis- 
tinguished services, and after the assault on Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, and 
the closing battle at Appomattox, April 9th, 1865, he was made full 

368 



ROSTER OF FIELD AND STAFF. 369 

Brigadier-General and received the brevet of Major-General of Volunteers. 
He was not only a popular officer in the field among his command, but his 
popularity had extended to his home in Chicago, where during the Soldiers' 
Fair held in June, I8G0, he was awarded one of the prize pistols that was to 
be presented to the officer receiving the greatest number of votes. He 
distanced all competitors, receiving 369 votes to Colonel Stockton's 348, the 
whole number of votes cast for all the candidates being 2,320. After his 
return to civil life he was nominated by President Johnson and confirmed 
by the Senate as Postmaster at Chicago, but as he could not accept of the 
terms accompanying the nomination, the commission was withheld. 

In 1868 he became a candidate for the office of country treasurer of 
Cook county, and was elected by a large majority. After serving faithfully 
and acceptably through his term of office, he received the apix)intment as 
one of the Board of Managers of the National Asylums for Disabled Union 
Soldiers, serving with Generals B. F. Butler, John A. Logan, and others.. 
He remained in this service up to 1873, when he was appointed Minister to 
the Argentine Republic. He filled this position with great honor and dis- 
tinction to himself and most satisfactorily to both Governments until the 
change in the Administration, 1884, when he engaged in the business of 
railroad construction in South America, with headquarters at Buenos 
Ayres, where he yet remains. 

The following account of a presentation to General Osborn by the 
Government of the Argentine Republic will be of interest to the comrades. 
It is taken from the Chicago Tribune of March 19th, 1884: 

" A year or more ago General Thomas 0. Osborn, Minister Resident 
of the United States to the Argentine Republic, and the Hon. Thomas A. 
Osborne, of Kansas, our Minister to Chili, by invitation of the Govern- 
ments of those countries respectively, officiated as arbitrators to determine 
a boundary question which had long threatened to disturb their peaceful 
relations, and would have soon culminated in war unless so settled. By 
persistent and conciliatory negotiations the question was at length settled 
to the entire satisfaction of both parties. 

" For his ability and final success in the negotiations. General Os- 
born has been the recipient of distinguished honors at the hands of the 
Argentines, manifested in many ways; but the most important and grati- 
fying is the presentation to him by President Roca of a magnificent 
allegorical shield on behalf of the Argentine Government, commemorat- 
ing the event. 

" Of course General Osborn cannot accept the testimonial without 
the consent of Congress, but as the action of the arbitrators was, in a sense, 
the friendly intervention of the United States, averting an almost certain 
war, vindicating the principle of arbitration where its application is pos- 
sible, and thus reflecting credit upon our country, it is hardly to be doubted 
that the consent of Congress to the reception of the beautiful testimonial 
will be granted. A recent number of El Diario, a Buenos Ayres paper, 
says: 

" Yesterday the magnificent present that the Argentine Government 
makes to the Minister of the United States, General Osborn. in commemo- 
ration of his good offices in the happy arrangement of limits question 
between this Republic and the Chilian, was placed on view. 
24 



370 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

"The shield, which is ninety centimetres high by seventy-four wide, 
is sculptured in haut and bas-relievo, and bears the signatures of Gustave 
Dore, author of the allegorical design; Vernier, the engraver; Camer6, 
goldsmith; and the famous Froment-Meurice, under whose direction this 
work of art was executed; and is composed of oxidized silver, gold, iron, 
and enamel. 

"In the center are three figures in relief, emblematic of the Argen- 
tine and Chilian Republics and of the United States, the two former with 
their right hands joined as a sign of fraternity, and the latter, with arms 
extended, offering to each of the former an olive branch as the emblem of 
peace. Beneath these figures are placed the arms of the three nations, 
elegantly embossed in gold. Above is the Argentine shield, in blue and 
white enamel, ornamented with oak leaves, and the sun of May spreading 
golden rays. 

" Surrounding the central figures are three symbols of pastoral, agri- 
cultural, and industrial pursuits. In the upper part of the shield is a band 
of gold, twining round sheaves of corn, palms, and vines laden with golden 
grapes. On the band is this inscription: 

Buenos Aihes, XXIII de Julio 
MDCCCLXXXI 
El Gobierno de la Republica Argeutlna 
al 
General D. Tomas O. Osbobn 
Ministro de los Estadop-Unldos de la 
America del Norte 
Recuerdo de estima- de limites entre la Ke- 
cion per los aniistosos oublica Argentina y la de 
oficios de S. E. du-|Chile. 
rante la negociacion] 

" A fanciful enameled border serves as a frame to the shield, which is 
made of silver and gold." 

Colonel Orrin L.Mann. Promoted Brigadier-General by "brevet" 
May 11th, 1865. 

General O. L. Mann was born in Geauga County, Ohio, November 
25th, 1833. His grandfathers on both the paternal and the maternal side 
served in the Revolutionary War, and several of his uncles served in the 
War of 1812. At the age of five years his parents moved to Monroe 
county, Michigan, where, three years later, his father, a carijenter and 
builder, died. He was one of a large dependent family of children, and 
hard work on the new farm, with a few weeks' schooling each year in the 
log school-house, was his occupation until he reached his twentieth year, 
when he entered a blacksmith-shop at Ann Arbor, Mich., to learn the trade. 
He worked at this trade for one year, when, by reason of a severe physical 
accident, he was compelled to abandon it. After spending several years in 
study and teaching, he removed to Chicago, 111., to make a permanent 
home, arriving there the night that the news of the firing on Fort Sumter 
reached the city. His business engagement was soon cancelled and he 
enlisted in Barker's Dragoons, but owing to the surplus of recruits, did not 
go to the front with them. He was soon engaged, however, in recruiting a 
company for the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, and entered the service as its Major. 

Prior to the acceptance of the regiment into the United States 
service, at the request of Governor Yates, Major Mann went to St. Louis, 



ROSTER OF FIELD AND STAFF. 371 

Mo., with letters to Governor Blair and General Lyon, and urged its accept- 
ance into the service of the State of Missouri, but did not meet with suc- 
cess; and returning to Chicago, he obtained letters from Governor Yates 
and others to the authorities at Washington, D. C.,and started immediately 
for the National Capital. Through the efforts of Senator 0. H. Browning 
and Congressman Owen Lovejoy he soon had interviews with President 
Lincoln and the Secretary of War, but they could not order the regiment 
into service. President Lincoln advised him to take cheap quarters and 
watch the developments at the special session of Congress that was to 
convene the next day. The President might better have said watch the 
developments of the rebel army then at Bull's Run, Va., for, three weeks 
later, that army had put to rout the Union forces, and the order was 
received accepting the regiment. 

After the regimental election Major Mann was sent to Springfield 
with the returns, and while waiting for the commissions was attacked 
with typhoid fever, which confined him in that city of strangers for six 
weeks. He was not able to join the command, then at Williamsport, Md., 
until the latter part of November, 1861. 

Major Mann's first engagement with the enemy was early in January, 
1862, at Berkeley Springs (Bath), Va., which is elsewhere recorded. He 
was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in December, 1861. He served for a 
short time on the staff of Generals Lander and Williams, but insisted on 
joining his regiment when active service in the field commenced. He was 
General Field Officer of the Trenches the night Fort Wagner, S. C, was 
evacuated, and had the honor of first sending the intelligence to General 
Gilmore, and it was under his immediate direction that the Thirty-Ninth, 
then at the front, was first to plant the Stars and Stripes on the fort. 

In November, 1863, Colonel Mann was ordered home with several 
non-commissioned officers on recruiting service. He immediately pre- 
sented his cause in various localities where companies had been raised 
for the regiment, and when, a few weeks later, the veterans were home on 
furlough, the fruits of his labors were clearly manifest. 

He was seriously wounded in the left leg May 20th, 1864, while lead- 
ing the regiment in a " charge " on the enemy's works near Bermuda 
Hundred, Va. He was confined in Chesapeake Hospital, Virginia, for six 
months, and served for the next two months on a general court-martial 
at Fort Monroe, Va. In January, 1865, he was sent by General E. 0. C. 
Ord to Norfolk, Va., as provost-marshal of the Southeastern District of 
Virginia. He was commissioned Colonel, May 11th, 1865, and Brigadier- 
General by •' brevet," and was placed in command of the Southeastern Dis- 
trict of Virginia and held the position until he joined his regiment for 
the final " muster out " December 6th, 1865. 

General Mann's home is in Chicago, 111., where he is engaged in. the 
real estate business. He has been active in Republican politics and has 
several times been honored by his party with elective office. 



372 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas O. Osborn. Commissioned July 

22d, 1861. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Orrin L. Mann. Commissioned December, 

l.sHl ; wounded May 20th. 1864. in the left leg. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Homer A. Plimpton. 

Homer A. Plimpton was born June 11th, 1838, in northeast Erie 
county, Pennsylvania; came West to Illinois with his parents in 1840. 
His father was a physician, and from overwork and exposure in the com- 
paratively new and thinly-settled country became broken in health, and in 
1847 returned East with his family, settling in Ohio for the purpose of rest 
and the education of his children. In 1854 he again removed to Illinois, 
and in 1856 Homer entered the freshman class in the Northwestern Uni- 
versity at Evanston and graduated with honors in June, 1860. The follow- 
ing winter and spring he was occupied in teaching. At the breaking out 
of the war, he felt it to be his duty as an American citizen to resjiond to 
the call of his country in the great struggle for National life, and in 
August, 1861, enlisted in Company G, Thirty-Ninth Illinois. He served for 
nearly one year in the ranks, when he was detailed to the regimental 
hospital department as clerk, where he remained until January, 1864. He 
re-enlisted as a veteran. 

After the battles of May 16th and 20th, 1864, he was made fifth ser- 
geant of his company to fill a vacancy, and was almost immediately 
detailed to act as Sergeant-Ma j or vice Reese Bishop, taken prisoner. He 
was slightly wounded in the head by a fragment of shell, October 7th, 1864, 
and soon after was commissioned First Lieutenant vice Amos Savage, 
promoted; and on December 4th. 1864, was commissioned Captain of 
Company G vice Savage, discharged for physical disability, and by virtue 
of seniority of rank took command of the regiment, retaining it until the 
regiment was mustered out of service. 

During the final campaign which resulted in the surrender of General 
Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, he was promoted to Major of Volunteers 
by the War Department for gallant conduct in the assault on Fort Gregg, 
Va., April 2d, 1865, and he received a commission as Major of the regi- 
ment and was mustered on the same May 11th, 1865, and soon after 
received his commission as Lieutenant-Colonel. He was taustered out with 
the regiment at Springfield, 111., December 6th, 1865. 

Colonel Plimpton was never absent from his command except for a 
period of thirty days, after Lee's surrender, being called home to attend the 
funeral of his sister. His career as a soldier was noticeable for unwearied 
attention to duty of whatever kind, and was remarkable as an example of 
rapid and well-deserved promotion. It fully illustrated the fact that merit, 
although slow of recognition, is always sure of it when circumstances 
admit. Fortune seems to have withheld all her favors until the last 
moment, in order to make a grand coup de main at the finish of the rebel- 
lion, for honesty, fidelity, and bravery. 



ROSTER OF FIELD AND STAFF. 373 

After the war, Colonel Plimpton filled the position of Assistant 
Assessor of the United States Internal Revenue Department; after which 
he engaged in some mining ojierations in Colorado. He is now occupied 
in stock-raising in New Mexico, while his family still remain in Chicago 
for the purpose of educating their children. His address is Silver City, 
Grant county, N. M. 
Major Orrin L. Mann. Commissioned July 22d, 18G1. 

Major S. W. Munn. Promoted January, 1862, vice Mann, pro- 
moted. Resigned December, 1862, by reason of disability. 

Major Sylvester W. Munn was a native of St. Lawrence county, New 
York, and was taken from there by his parents when but a child to the 
dense forests of Ohio. In that new State, which was the cradle for so 
many of the rank and file of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, young Munn 
reached his manhood. His time was industriously occupied on the new 
farm, and in the district school, both as pupil and teacher; and after a 
short polishing process in the village academy, he entered a law office, and 
in due time was admitted to practice. 

Early in the 'fifties he moved with his young family to Wilmington, 
111., where he began the practice of his profession. There, the firing on 
Fort Sumter found him in the midst of increasing volumes and clients. 
He was the first to report with a full company for the regiment, and hence 
he was mustered in as Captain of Company A. No officer entered the 
regiment better equipped than Captain Munn for the duties before him. 
In the full vigor of healthy manhood, standing six feet high, splendidly 
developed physically and well-poised mentally, he appeared, as he really 
was, a fine type of the Volunteer Soldier. 

Captain Munn wgis promoted to the rank of Major early in 1862, and 
was constantly on duty with his command, excepting a short interval 
when he was ordered by General Shields to duty on his staff. The hard- 
ships and exposures of 1861-62 so impaired his physical condition that he 
was obliged to tender his resignation late in 1862, at Suffolk, Va. 

After leaving the service he was elected to the office of State Attor- 
ney in the district of which Will county forms a part; the duties of which 
he discharged creditably and with great distinction. In 1868 he removed 
to Joliet and was several times elected to responsible offices, the last being 
State Senator. In this capacity he became interested in the organization 
of our State Guards, and did much to help bring that body to its present 
fine condition. He served for several years on the personal staff of 
Governor Cullom, with the rank of Colonel. 

Major Munn died very suddenly of apoplexy, September 11th, 1888, 
at his home in Joliet, and was laid away for his great and final rest in 
the cemetery at that jjlace. He was sixty-four years of age. 

Major Samuel S. Linton. Wounded through the lung May 16th, 
1864. at the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va.; he also received a flesh 
wound of the side in April. 1862, near Winchester, Va, 



374 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Major Linton was born in Miami county, Indiana, April 21st, 1836, 
but was raised in Warren county, Ohio, about fifty miles from Cincinnati, 
near the village of Waynesville. At the breaking out of the war he was liv- 
ing in Lee county, Illinois, where he recruited a large part of Company D, 
Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. After the resignation of Major S. W. 
Munn, he was promoted to that position and filled it with honorable dis- 
tinction until wounded at Drury's Bluff, Va. He was mustered out of the 
service November 10th, 1864, and went to his farm in Illinois, residing 
there for one and a half years, when he sold out and went to Toledo, Ohio, 
where for the next twelve years he resided, being engaged the most part 
of the time in the milling business. In 1876 he was elected sheriff of the 
county, and after serving for the term of two years, he removed to Mis- 
souri, where he remained for the period of one year and a half, then 
removing to Minneapolis, Minn., where he engaged in the grain commis- 
sion business, the firm being S. S. Linton & Co., with branch office at 
Duluth, Minn. His address is 1031 Sixth Avenue, South, Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

Major Homer A. Plimpton. Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel May 
11th, 1865. 

Major Minor W. Milliman. Commissioned, but could not muster 
for the reason that the aggregate strength of the regiment did not 
warrant it. Mustered out with the regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Major Milliman was a popular officer and thorough soldier, winning 
his promotions fairly and wearing them gracefully. For the first two 
years after leaving the service he did nothing but speculate, as he says. 
He then tried to farm it a little, then engaged in the grocery business, 
jumping from that into trade in furniture, and after a while sliding into 
hardware and general merchandising. For the space of one year he was 
in the creamery business at Sheldon, 111., then moved to Nebraska and went 
into raising stock — principally feeding sheep. This is his present occupa- 
tion, and his address is Silver Creek, Merrick county, Neb. 

The Major had command of eight companies of the Thirty-Ninth on 
April 9th, 1865, which was the first infantry that faced Lee at Appomattox 
Court-House, Va. 

Adjutant Frank B. Marshall. Commissioned August 5th, 1861; 
resigned July 15th, 1862. 

Prior to joining the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. Adjutant Mar- 
shall had been a member of the famous Ellsworth Zouaves of Chicago 
and was well versed in military tactics. He took an active part in recruit- 
ing and was much interested in the organization of Company K, which 
was forming at Marseilles, 111., and was elected as First Lieutenant, but 
before muster into the United States service he was appointed Regimental 
Adjutant. He gave much time and attention to the instruction and drill- 
ing of the newly-made officers, from the Colonel down; and before the 
regiment left Chicago, he made the selection from men in the regiment to 



ROSTER OF FIELD AND STAFF. 375 

form a company to compete for a flag offered by the State Commissioners 
of Agriculture to the best-drilled company of volunteers then in Chicago, 
and won it. During his term of service he was on recruiting service a large 
portion of the time. 

When he resigned his commission he returned to Chicago and en- 
tered into the real estate business, and for some years was an energetic 
business man and did well. The great lire in Chicago, 1871, ui^set his calcu- 
lations to a large extent, and he entered the regular army as a lieutenant, 
serving for a short time on the frontier, but soon resigned and returned to 
Chicago, where he engaged in various enterprises with more or less suc- 
cess. He is yet a resident of Chicago, living on Bissel street, and operates 
in real estate to some extent. Frank has had his full share of the "ups " 
and •' downs " of life, the " downs " perhaps predominating. 

Adjutant Joseph D. Walker. Promoted July 15th, 1862; died of 
wounds received at the battle of Drury's Bluff, May 16th, 1864. 

Joseph D. Walker enlisted from Lockport, 111., and was appointed 
Sergeant-Major. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion he was 
pursuing the study of law in the office of E. C. Fellows, Esq. He first 
entered the three months' service at Cairo, where he organized a company 
from among the men gathered there, which was called the " Prentiss 
Guards." After the expiration of his term he joined his fortunes with the 
" Yates Phalanx" (Thirty-Ninth Illinois). He was a faithful man in his line 
of duty, and a brave, enthusiastic soldier. He shared in all the fortunes 
of the regiment with an even temper and most cheerful spirit. When Fort 
Wagner, Morris Island, S. C, was taken, he had the honor of first planting 
our fiag upon its ramparts. Socially he was agreeable and entertaining; 
morally, he was pure rtiid without reproach. 

The wound that caused Adjutant Walker's death was received in the 
bowels, and was a most painful one. He was conscious and sensible of his 
condition up to within a short time of his death. The first question he 
asked the writer as soon as he saw him was, " Doctor, is my wound mortal? 
Can I live?" Upon being told that it was impossible for him to recover, 
he merely said, "It is well!" and turned his face away. His body was 
sent home, and at his own request it now reposes in the cemetery at Wil- 
mington, 111. 

Adjutant Leroy Doud. Promoted May 16th, 1864, and mustered 
August 19th, 1864. Mustered out of service January 23d, 1866. 

Lieutenant Doud enlisted from Bloomington, 111., as a private in 
Company B. His intelligence, correct deportment and faithful attention 
to duty soon recommended him to his superiors for promotion. He was 
first taken from his company and assigned to the non-commissioned staff 
as Commissary of Subsistence, ranking as Sergeant; and on the death of 
Adjutant Walker was chosen to fill his place, serving as Adjutant of the 
regiment until January, 1865, when he was detailed on the staff of Brigadier- 



376 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



i 



General T. 0. Osborn as Assistant Adjutant-General of the First Brigade, 
First Division, Twenty-Fourth Army Corps. He retained this position 
until the brigade was broken up and ceased to be an organization. He 
was then detailed by the order of Major-General Terry, commanding the 
Department of Virginia, as acting Assistant Ordnance Officer of the South- 
eastern District of Virginia, with headquarters at Norfolk. Subsequently 
he was transferred to the Inspector General's office as assistant. When the 
War Department order came to muster out all volunteer staff officers 
Lieutenant Doud was detailed to the staff of Brevet-Major-General A. T. A. 
Torbert, commanding Southeastern District of Virginia, to act as Assist- 
ant Adjutant-General, where he served until the command was dissolved, 
January, 1866. 

In the various positions that he was called upon to fill Lieutenant 
Doud was respected and won the confidence and esteem of his superiors by 
his honest discharge of duty, and on leaving the army was breveted Major 
for faithful and meritorious service. 

Returning to his home he soon found his way to Chicago^here he 
received the appointment of Ganger in the Internal Revenue service, a 
position that he held for some years. Afterwards he became connected 
with the Shufeldt Distilling Company, married, and settled at Englewood, 
111. Misfortune, however, visited him through some unwise speculations, 
and he became a bankrupt, and for several years he was on the " ragged 
edge " of life financially and otherwise. He finally, in 1874, departed for 
new pastures in the West. He was last seen at Omaha, Neb. Since 
that time news of his death has been received — which, however, lacks 
confirmation. 

Quartermaster Joseph A. Cutler. Commissioned July 22d, 
1861; discharged July 15th, 1862. 

Nothing is known concerning the early history of Cutler. The 
writer last saw him in New York city in 1866, at which time he was an 
agent for Drew's line of Hudson River steamers. He is living, but his 
address is not known. 

Quartermaster Jonathan F. Linton. Commissioned June 
12th, 1862; mustered out April lyth, 1864 — expiration of service. 

Jonathan F. Linton was born, — but just when and where, and under 
what circumstances, deponent saith not, because he has not been advised. 
He was the son of his father and mother, however, and grew up in course 
of time as most boys do, and after the usual disciplining and some help he 
became a self-reliant and a self-made man, although he did not grow his own 
hair. At the breaking out of the late unpleasantness between the sections, 
his patriotism bubbled over to the extent of offering his services to help 
ivhack out Secession. He made his first api^earance in the arena of war as 
First Lieutenant of Company D, and made an honest, brave and efficient 
officer. 

Among his chief characteristics were neatness and ^J'Vde in dress — an 












1. Doctor S. C. BLAKE. 

4. Major S. W. MUNN. 

7. Major MINOR W. MILLIMAN. 8. Major S. S. LINTON 



2 BR,a GEN.L ORRIN L. MANN. 3. Lt. Co.. HOMER A. PLIMPTON. 
5 WM W ELY,Co. E. 6. BVt-Major N. C. WARNER. 

^- ^^- ' 9. Captain N. B. KENDALL. 



ROSTER OF FIELD AND STAFF. 377 

unusually good appetite for his rations, and a stiaviter in niodo that was 
unexcelled. He always complimented the intelligence of his comrades by 
prefacing his remarks to them with " You know" ; and they in turn con- 
ferred upon him the title of " Uno " as a distinction. 

After the regiment had lost the very distinguished and capable ser- 
vices of Quartermaster Joseph A. Cutler, whose loss, it was thought, would 
prove irreparable, Lieutenant Linton was elevated to the position, and, to 
his credit be it said, the Quartermaster's Department became what it 
should have been from the first — a well-ordered and well-administered 
office. There was no more hungering or nakedness. He was punctual, 
pugnacious and perennial in the performance of duty; somewhat calcula- 
tive, as well as cumulative in disposition, but bold, brave, brawny, and 
brainy, as occasion required. 

After his term of service he modestly retired to his former home to 
renew, it is supposed, an independent struggle for subsistence and exist- 
ence, and report says that he has succeeded beyond expectation. He has 
gathered together a great many "shekels" — more, in fact, than is necessary 
for any one man, and we would feel much obliged if he would remember us 
in his will. 

He is living at Columbus, Ohio, or was at last accounts, but we feel 
justified in thinking, after repeated failures to get response to a request 
for a brief biographical sketch, that he must be dead, or good as dead. 
This will account for the present imperfect piece of biography. 

Quartermaster Stewart W. Hoffman. Promoted vice J. F. 
Linton, mustered out. Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with the 
regiment. 

Hoffman enlisted from Sandoval, 111., August 27th, 1861, in Company 
F, and was made a Corporal. He was a very intelligent, active, and 
reliable young man, of fine address and good manners. He was soon 
transferred to the non-commissioned stafif as Quartermaster Sergeant, and 
filled the position most acceptably. July 7th, 1863, he was commissioned 
First Lieutenant, but not choosing to muster upon it and serve with his 
company, it was cancelled, and he remained in the Quartermaster's Depart- 
ment until the expiration of the service of J. F. Linton, whose place he 
then took. The writer is not acquainted with any facts concerning his 
early life or jjost-belhim record. All that is known is, that after the war he 
went to Gettysburg, Penn., and engaged in business, and there he died 
some years ago. 

Surgeon Samuel C. Blake. Commissioned August 5th, 1861; 
resigned June 3d, 1862. 

Samuel C. Blake was born in the city of Bath, Maine, July 25th, 1826. 
The Doctor came from Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, John Blake, 
having served at the age of eighteen years in the Continental Army as a 
member of his cousin's company. Captain Dearborn, afterwards Major- 



378 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

General Dearborn, for whom Fort Dearborn, Chicago, was named. Grand- 
father Blake was at the battle of Bunker Hill, and also at the laying of the 
corner-stone of Bunker Hill monument, and was one of the thirteen sur- 
vivors of that battle who were present at the completion of the monument. 
On the maternal side Dr. Blake is connected with John Hancock, the first 
signer of the Declaration of Independence. His father, Rev. S. P. Blake, 
was a member of the Maine Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for half a century. 

Samuel received his academical education at the Maine Wesleyan 
Seminary, and graduated in medicine at the medical department of 
Harvard University, July 20th, 1853. He served as house physician in the 
Massachusetts general hospital one year. 

After practicing medicine in Boston three years and a half the Doctor 
went West to Chicago in 1856. When he reached Chicago there was but 
one medical college (Rush) and only one hospital (Mercy). In 1858, in 
connection with the late Professor Brainard, Dr. De Laskie Miller, and 
J. P. Ross, he leased the old City Hospital building and organized the 
second hospital in the city. In 1861 Dr. Blake assisted in the organization 
of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, but the regiment failing to get accepted, he 
was commissioned Surgeon of the Nineteenth Illinois Volunteers, and 
accompanied the regiment to Missouri. W^hile in the Nineteenth he was 
detailed on the staff of General Hurlbut and ordered to inspect the regi- 
mental hospitals at Quincy, 111., which duty was acceptably performed. 
He organized a general hospital at Quincy which was continued during the 

war. 

After the Thirty-Ninth Illinois was accepted by the Government, Dr. 

Blake was transferred to it as the surgeon. In January, 1862, at Hancock, 
Md., he was detached from his regiment and ordered to organize a brigade 
hospital, which he proceeded to do, and had charge of it until the troops 
were ordered to advance to Winchester, Va. During General Banks' cam- 
paign in the Shenandoah Valley, he was detailed to take charge of the 
general hospital of his army at Mount Jackson, Va. Dr. Blake organized 
three large hospitals, and when the army fell back to Strasburgh, Va.. he 
organized a large field hospital in which he had a thousand sick and wounded 
soldiers of both armies. 

That the Doctor's professional skill and devotion to duty was appre- 
ciated is manifest by the accompanying letters: 

" Headquakteks 
" FiBST Division. Department of Shenandoah, 
" Neab Edenbukg, Va. 

''April 12th, 1862. 
"De. Samuel C. Blake, Surgeon Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers : 
" Dear Sir: ******! have had ample opportunity of 
estimating your ability as a hospital surgeon, and feel much pleasure in 
being able to testify to the care and attention bestowed upon the men, 
and to the professional skill displayed on many occasions, when the service 



ROSTER OF FIELD AND STAFF. ;379 

■ 
required it. In field hospitals, where many things needful for the comfort 
of the sick soldier have to be improvised, a faithful devotion to duty and 
self-sacrifice are qualities eminently needed: in your display of these I 
have also been witness, and put on record here my complete appproval 
and satisfaction with your conduct at the Brigade Hospital, Hancock. 
" I am. Doctor, 

" Yours, respectfully, 

"Thomas Antisell, 
" Brigade-Sitrgeon Vohi'nteers, and Medical Director First Division, Depart- 
ment of the Shenandoah" 



" Headquaetees 

" Thiett-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteees, 

" Haerison's Landing, James Rives, Va., 

" Aemy of the Potomac. 

" August oth, 1862. 
" Dk. S. C. Blake,— 

"My Dear old Surgeon: ****** If at any time you should 
need my good oflQces, they shall be freely given you, for that good name 
and reputation which you won for yourself and my regiment in the medical 
department of the army in the field, and I cannot forget that high and 
never-to be-forgotten compliment paid me as your commanding officer 
by Major-General Williams, in your behalf, for your distinguished services 
when in charge of the general hospital. ****** Please accept 
the kindest wishes of 

" Yours, truly, 

" Thos. O. Osboen, Col. 39th Ills. Vols." 

Owing to the severe exposures and great responsibilities resting upon 
the Doctor during the campaign, he found hinself suffering with chronic 
hepatitis and diarrhoea which compelled him to resign his commission. 
After seeking health for a year, and being partially restored, he again 
entered upon the general practice of his profession in Chicago. In 1863 
he was elected County Physician of Cook County, and in 18(15-66 was the 
City Physician. It was during Dr. Blake's term as City Physician that 
the last epidemic of cholera visited Chicago. At that time there was no 
Superintendent of Health, no Medical Inspectors, and no Sanitary Police 
force, the duties of all these offices devolving upon the City Physician and 
one health officer, a layman. 

In the year 1868, Dr. Blake was elected a member of the old Board 
of Supervisors, and for the whole year labored with all the influence he 
could bring to bear upon the board, assisted only by the late Hon. J. P. 
Ross, to prevail upon them to open the old City Hospital building as a 
county hospital; and after a year's hard and earnest work, prevailed upon 
them to do so as an experiment. Thus was laid the foundation for the 
present magnificent County Hospital, the largest and best equipped 
hospital in the Northwest. 

Dr. Blake also aided in establishing the Women's and Children's 
Hospital of Chicago, being now one of the consulting staff, having been 
on that staff most of the time since its organization. 

Dr. Blake also was one of the physicians who organized the Woman's 



380 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

» 
Medical College of Chicago, and occupied the chair of " Diseases of Mind 
and Nervous System " for seven years; has been a Fellow of the Massa- 
chussets State Medical Society, Boston Medical Society, American Medical 
Association, Illinois State Medical Society, and Chicago Medical Society; 
is now one of the consulting staff of the Women's and Children's Hospital 
of Chicago, and consulting neurologist of the Wesley Hospital. He resides 
at 576 FuUerton Avenue, Chicago, 111. 

Surgeon Charles M. Clark. Promoted June 3rd, 1862, vice Blake 
resigned. 

Dr. Clark was born October 8th, 1834, at Manlius Square, Onondaga 
county. New York. In 1836 his parents removed to New York City, and in 
1840 went to the western part of the state, locating at Gaines and later 
at Albion, Orleans county. He received a liberal education at the Albion 
Academy, and after graduating commenced the study of medicine with 
Dr. William Noble at Albion, and pursued it for some two years, when he 
went to New York City and commenced clerking in a drug store on Avenue 
B, and later at Williamsburg, Long Island. In 1855 he entered the medical 
department of the University of the City of New York, and graduated the 
4th of March, 1857. After graduation he returned to Albion, N. Y., but 
shortly afterwards removed to Portage City, Wis., and from there to 
Horicon, Wis., where he asssociated himself with Dr. Harshaw and com- 
menced the practice of his profession; but in the winter of 1858 went to 
Chicago. 

In the Spring of 1860 the Doctor went to the Rocky Mountains in 
search of health and fortune — the former was gained, but the latter was 
not found; and returning in the fall of 1860, he wrote and published a 
book on his trip to " Pike's Peak." In April, 1861, he together with 
Thomas O. Osborn enlisted in a company then forming in Chicago, but it 
was not mustered into the service, and he then engaged in assisting the 
organization of the " Yates Phalanx," and in August, 1861, after passing 
examination before the State Medical Examining Board, was commissioned 
as Assistant Surgeon of the regiment. He followed the Thirty-Ninth all 
through its long term of active service^ occupying the various positions 
of Brigade and Division Surgeon, and after all battles was assigned to the 
operating tables. In April, 1863, he was made Post-Surgeon and in charge 
of hospital at Folly Island, S. C; also member of the Examining Board. 
At the capture of Morris Island he was made an Operating Surgeon. 

April 30th, 1864, by order of General Terry, Dr. Clark was announced 
as Chief Medical Officer of the First Division, Tenth Army Corps. Janu- 
ary 8th, 1865, he was permanently detached from the regiment by General 
Ord and appointed Chief Operating Surgeon of the Twenty-Fourth Army 
Corps, and June 18th, 1865, after the surrender of Lee, was appointed by 
General Gibbons Surgeon-in-Charge of the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps 
hospital at Richmond, Va., and September 6th, 1865, he was ordered to 
report to General A. T. A. Torbert, commanding at Norfolk, Va., as 




Surgeon CHARLES M. CLARK. 

From Photographs taken m 1863— if 



ROSTER OF FIELD AND STAFF. 381 

Chief Medical Officer of the District and Surgeon of the Post Hospital, 
which position he retained until his muster out of service, December 6th, 
18(55. He left the service with a good record and with the commendations 
of Surgeon-General Barnes. 

February 22d, 18(56, Dr. Clark married and settled in Chicago in 
practice. In 1868 he was appointed Surgeon to the Soldiers' Home at Chi- 
cago. After the death of his wife in 1872, he accejjted an appointment in 
the Regular Army, and served at Fort Lamed, Kansas, for some months; 
was then ordered to Fort Riley, and from there to Fort Union, New 
Mexico; then to Santa Ffe, Fort Bascom, and then back to Fort Union, 
where he acted as Post Surgeon until he left the service. 

In 1875 he was induced to locate at Salina, Kansas, where he engaged 
in practice and remained until 1880, when he returned to Chicago. His 
address is 1086 Grenshaw street, Chicago, 111. 

Assistant Surgeon Charles M. Clark. Commissioned August 
5th, 1861. Promoted Surgeon June 3d, 1862, vice Blake resigned. 

First Assistant Surgeon James Crozier. Commissioned 
First Assistant Surgeon, December 6th, 1862; joined the regiment at 
Suffolk, Va. 

Dr. Crozier comes of Scotch-Irish parentage and is descended from 
the " old Revolutionary stock." He was born in Davis, Edgar county, 
Illinois, April 8th, 1834. His father was a soldier in the Indian war of 1832 
and built the first house and the first mill in Davis, 111. 

The Doctor moved to the village of Chicago in 1836, and from there 
to Joliet, 111., and in 1840 moved to a farm in Johnson county. Iowa, which 
he helped to improve. He attended the county schools and in 1850-51 
attended the Academy in Iowa City, and afterwards the Edgar Academy, 
where he received a practical and finished education. He taught school 
for several years, and in 1857 commenced the study of medicine with Di'. 
Samuel McClure at Olney, 111.; attended Rush Medical College in the 
winter and spring of 1858-59. In the spring of 1860 he married and went 
to Parkersburg. 111., and hung out his "shingle." 

At the breaking out of the war Dr. Crozier raised a company for the 
three months' service and afterwards assisted in recruiting a company for 
the three years" service, and went to St. Louis, Mo., with them in the fall of 
1861. The Thirty-Ninth Illinois was then in Benton Barracks. He had 
recruited forty men for the First Missouri cavalry, but finding that they 
were being swindled in their horses, he turned them over to Captain 
Dodson's Company of Illinois cavalry, and they became the body-guard of 
General S. R. Curtis. His men honorably released him, and he went into 
the hospital at Springfield, 111., under Dr. R. S. Ford as Assistant Surgeon. 

In the fall of 1861 he went before the Medical Examining Board at 
Chicago and was assigned to the Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volun- 
teers. After the war he went to Clinton, Ind., where he practiced his 
profession up to 1883, when he went to Washington, D. C. in the oflSce of 



382 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

the Medical Pension Examining Board and where he yet remains. The 
Doctor was continuously with the regiment from the day he joined it, and 
for a large portion of the time was acting Surgeon by reason of the Sur- 
geon's absence on detached service. 

Second Assistant Surgeon William Woodward. Com- 
missioned December 9th, 1862, and joined the regiment at Suffolk. 
Va. 

In January, 1865, Dr. Woodward was appointed acting Medical Pur- 
veyor of the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps. April 11th, 1865, he was trans- 
ferred to the Fifty-Eighth Illinois Volunteers (consolidated) Infantry, and 
commissioned as Surgeon, and was mustered out of the service April 1st, 
1866. 

After the war he removed with his family to some point in Missouri, 
somewhere near Moberly, and after some years went to Wisconsin, where 
he engaged in the practice of his profession. Never a very robust man, his 
health began to suffer before he left the service, and at the time of his 
" muster out " it was very much broken. 

He died of consumption of the lungs some seven years ago. 

Second Assistant Surgeon Antlnony De Normandie. 

Promoted July 13th, 1865; could not muster. Mustered out as Hos- 
pital Steward December 6th, 1865, with the regiment. 

De Normandie entered the service from Gardner, 111., enlisting in 
Company A. On reaching Chicago he was appointed Hospital Steward. 
He served faithfully and satisfactorily in this capacity to the close of the 
war. In 1863 he was detailed to the post hospital on Folly Island, S. C. 
In May, 1864, he was again detailed to act as steward and assistant at the 
field hospital of the Tenth Army Corps with Surgeon Clark, and as Com- 
missary Steward at the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps hospital at Richmond, 
Va., and again at the post hospital at Norfolk, Va. After the transfer of 
Assistant Surgeon Woodward to the Fifty-Eighth Illinois, De Normandie 
was recommended to the Governor of the State for a commission, which 
was granted on the basis of meritorious service. He was ever ready for 
duty and always at hand, and was prompt and reliable, and became known 
in the regiment as the " old wheel-horse." After the war he returned to 
his home and resumed the practice of medicine. Some years ago he 
removed to Braceville, 111., where he now resides. 

Chaplain CJnarles S. McReading. Commissioned October 9th, 

1861; resigned August 9th, 1862. 

Chaplain " Mack," as he was familiarly called, entered the service 
from Channahou, 111. Nothing can be said of his early history, as the 
writer is wholly unacquainted with it. While in the service he was active 
and devoted to his duties, although but seldom with the regiment on 
account of its being continually on the move, and his health did not per- 
mit of his sharing the privations and exposures that were encountered up 



NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 383 

to the date of the regiment going into winter quarters at Suffolk, Ya., in 
September, 1862. The spiritual comfort derived from the Chaplain's min- 
istrations, for the reasons above mentioned, were almost " nil," but he 
proved most useful after the visit of the paymaster in being the messenger 
for those who wished to send money home. December 21st. 1864. he was 
again commissioned as Chaplain to the regiment, but could not muster, 
and in fact never joined it. He died some years ago. 



NoN- Commissioned Staff. 
Sergeant-Major Joseph D. Walker. Enlisted September I9th, 

18(;i. Promoted Adjutant July loth. 18()2, rice Marshall, resigned. 

Sergeant- Major Reese Bishop. Enlisted from Leroy, in.. 

October 18th. 1861. Died at Andersonville Prison, Georgia, November 

7th, 1864. 

Reese Bishop was an excellent young man, prompt and faithful in 
the performance of duty, and much loved by his comrades. He was taken 
prisoner May 16th, 1864, at the battle of Drury's Bluff. Va. Never the pos- 
sessor of a very rugged physique, and more than usually enfeebled from a 
late sickness at the time of his capture, his condition was little calculated 
to withstand the rough and brutal treatment of his captors, and sustain the 
exposure and privations of that most vile and loathsome prison-pen. The 
only news we ever had from poor Reese was, that he was last seen by a 
comrade in a most pitiable condition and just able to crawl about on 
hands and knees, when he remarked that he was not able to stand it much 
longer, and was j^raying for release. 

Sergeant-Major Ephraim W. Hawthorne. Enlisted from 

Fremont. 111. Promoted February ;)th, 1864, vice Reese Bishop, 
died. Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 
Nothing further is known of Hawthorne since he left the service. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant Frederick Clapp. Enlisted from 

Chicago, 111.. August 5th. 1861. Was reduced to the ranks and 
assigned to Company A, September 30th, 1861. Mustered out Sep- 
tember 9th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
The last known of him he was living at Buffalo, N. Y. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant Stewart W. Hoffman. Enlisted 

from Sandoval, 111. Promoted to Quartermaster August 5th. 1864. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant Christopher E. Courson. Pro- 
moted August 5th, 1864, vice Hoffman, promoted. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865, with the regiment. 

Christopher E. Courson was born September 4th, 1837, in Tioga 
county. New York; was brought up on his father's farm, and lived there 
until his twenty-first year, when he emigrated to Illinois, and was em])loyed 
as a farm hand until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted for the three 
months' service in a company that was organized at Centralia by Captain 
Probst, but the company failed of acceptance. He then enlisted in Com- 



384 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

pany F, Thirty-Ninth Illinois, for three years. He proved an able and 
efficient soldier, and participated in all the movements of the regiment, 
ending with the parole of Lee's army at Appomattox. After the war he 
returned to his old pursuit in Marion county, 111., but his health failing, he 
went East, endeavoring to find an occupation better suited to his strength, 
but was not successful. 

In 1867 he married and settled upon a small farm in Pennsylvania, 
where he remained six years. He removed in 1873 to a homestead in 
Kansas, and commenced improvements. Soon after making settlement, a 
postoffice was established at Courson's Grove, and he has been the post- 
master for the past twelve years, but without profit. He states: "least 
my first vote for Uncle Abraham Lincoln and my last for Benjamin F. 
Butler for President. In religion I am and always have been minus. I 
realize that I am, with the remaining veterans of the Thirty -Ninth, some- 
what along the down-grade of life, but just how soon I shall reach the 
bottom I cannot tell; nor can I say with Horace Greeley that 'I await the 
opening before my steps of the gates of the eternal world'; but without 
fear or anxiety I look forward and await that eternal ohlivion which must 
surely o'ertake us all." 

Commissary-Sergeant Allen B. Johnson. Enlisted August 

5th, 1861, and appointed Commissary-Sergeant. Promoted Second- 
Lieutenant of Company A. (See Lieutenant Johnson, Company A.) 

Commissary-Sergeant James Wightman. Enlisted from 
Odell, 111., August 12th, 1861. Appointed Commissary-Sergeant, vice 
Johnson, promoted. Promoted First Lieutenant, Company C. (See 
Captain Wightman, Company C.) 

Commissary- Sergeant Abiram B. Johnson. Promoted 
January 24th, 1862, rice Wightman, promoted. Enlisted from Le- 
Roy, 111., September 12th, 1861, in Company I, and was mustered out 
September 12th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Comrade Johnson was born in Harrison county, Ohio, February 20th, 
1832, and after his school-days were over, he turned his attention to the 
carpenter's trade. In 1854 he left Ohio, thinking it advisable to proceed 
further West. In 1869 he caught the " gold fever," and ventured a trip 
to Pike's Peak, but his expectations were not realized — that is, he did not 
pick up a fortune. When " Uncle Sam " wanted soldiers he enlisted, as 
previously stated, in Company I, and in due time was promoted to Com- 
missary of Subsistence. The comrades know that Johnson was a good 
soldier and a good provider; that he always had the best the market 
afforded, and that when he could make connections there was no danger of 
going hungry. We remember him as always good-natured, jolly and 
obliging, as well as faithful, prompt and soldierly. 

We have met with him several times since the war, and always found 
him to be the same Johnson we are writing about. He and Father Time 
seem to have compromised on the matter of growing old. He is married, 



NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 385 

of course, and we lately heard that he had been celebrating his silver wed- 
ding at his home in Le Roy, 111. We congratulate him, and wish that he 
and his may live to celebrate the diamond one, fifty years hence, and that 
he may be honored as a great-great-grandfather. 

Commissary Sergeant Charles F. Frisbie. Promoted Jan- 
uary 1st, 1864. Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with the regiment. 

While he carried the knife and steel, Charley was the peer of all his 
predecessors. His long service and intimate acquaintance with a soldier's 
needs, jDrior to his elevation, had admirably fitted him for the position. 
He had been well trained in all the details that made foraging an accom- 
plishment, and if " Uncle Sam's " fresh beef failed to go round, he could be 
depended upon to make up the deficiency in fresh pork and mutton that 
somehow or other would come at his call. He always knew where the 
fattest turkeys, the most juicy mutton, the choicest pork and the sweetest 
honey was to be found — knew it by intuition and without much efifort; and 
he also possessed the faculty of appreciating and anticipating the wants of 
the headquarters' mess. When army beef was deficient in South Carolina 
he could furnish " alligator steaks;" and in Virginia, when mutton was 
scarce, he could furnish •' mountain rabbits.*' He was active, vigilant, 
reliable; was a thorough patriot; did not believe in giving, lending or 
leaving aid or comfort to the enemy; and, withal, Charley was a good 
soldier. After the war, he returned to Chicago, married a most estimable 
lady, and has a family of eight children, one of whom, the eldest son, was 
lately married and has a brilliant future before him. Frisbie, for the past 
eleven years, has been connected with an extensive livery establishment — 
in fact, runs it — on Madison street, Chicago, and resides at 1335 West 
Fulton street. 

Hospital Steward Anthony De Normandie. Enlisted August. 
5th, 1861, from Gardner, 111., in Company A, and appointed Hospital 
Steward. Promoted Second Assistant Surgeon July 13th, 1865, but 
could not muster. (See Assistant Surgeon.) 

Chief Musicians. 

Henki T. Jones, enlisted from Pontiac, September 21st, 1861, and 
appointed Chief Musician. Discharged, June 3d, 1862, for dis- 
ability. Is living at Atlantic City, Iowa. 

RoBEKT C. HoLLOWELL, euHsted from Le Roy, 111., September 18th, 
1861. Mustered out September 18th, 1864, at expiration of ser- 
vice. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 

Leandee M. Mott, enlisted from Chicago, 111., August 15th, 1862. Mus- 
tered out June 20th, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Mott is living at Englewood, 111., and makes as good a citizen as he 
was soldier, and is daily assisting in building up that suburban town with 
his labor, being a carpenter and builder. 
25 



386 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Philip M. Lace, enlisted from Pontiac, 111., January 5th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865, with the regiment. He had previ- 
ously, September 20th, 1861, enlisted as leader of the regimental 
band, but was mustered out by order of the War Department, as 
has previously been mentioned. 

Lace was an excellent musician and teacher, and was much re- 
spected for his many good qualities. He labored diligently and unceasingly 
to develop the full capacity of each member, and strove faithfully to bring 
his band up to his ideal of what a military band should be. It ultimately 
reached a standard of excellence that made it the leading band of the 
Twenty-Fourth Army Corps. Lace had inherited the seeds of consump- 
tion which the exposures in the army served to develop, and he died from 
consumption of the lungs in 1872, and is buried at Channahon, 111. 

Fbanklin L. Fox, enlisted from Chicago, January 1st, 1864. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865, with the regiment. Was promoted Princi- 
pal Musician July 1st, 1865, vice Mott, mustered out. 

Fox is living at 203 Thirty-seventh St., Chicago, 111., and at last 
reports was a leading candidate for postmaster of the South Division 
station. He has a nice family, one of whom, a grown daughter, inherits 
his musical taste and ability. He is the same old Fox you used to know, 
except that he is the trifle of twenty-four years older than when some of 
you last met him. Yet he carries his years gracefully. 



The Eegimental Band. 

The Thirty-Ninth during its period of service Avas per- 
haps fortunate in having plenty of music to relieve the 
monotony of the camp and the tedium of the march. The 
original band that left Chicago with us in October, 1861, 
was, by order of the War Department, mustered out of 
service June 4th, 1862. This order dispensed with all regi- 
mental bands that had been enlisted as such. Its "roster" 
will be found on another page. 

The second band was organized by Philip M. Lace, 
who enlisted and was placed on the non-commissioned staff 
as Principal Musician, but it was the understanding that his 
pay should be that of second-lieutenant, which was made up 
by tax on the siitler. The members were detailed from the 
various companies and were enlisted soldiers. This band 
left Chicago with us, when we 'returned to the front from 




I 



THE REGIMENTAL BANfi. 387 

our yeterau furlough iu March, 1864. The instruments for 
them were bought with money subscribed by the officers of 
the regiment (six hundred dollars), while at Arlington 
Heights, Ya., April, 1864. This band, under the drill and 
teaching of P. M. Lace, became in a short time most excel- 
lent from a musical standpoint, and attained such proficiency 
in the rendition of first-class music that it was considered 
and had the reputation of being the best band in the Army 
of the James. During a battle it was the duty of the mem- 
bers to act as stretcher-bearers, and carry the wounded from 
the field. This duty was bravely and faithfully performed, 
as many will cheerfully bear testimony. 

The band comprised many good fellows whose social 
attributes were fully equal to their musical talent, and their 
services were always in demand. The.y often performed at 
the Richmond and Norfolk theatres and on many social 
occasions. I cannot do better perhaps, in order to give the 
band a fair representation in this history, than to make place 
for what one of its members (E. D. Conley) has to say. 

"The band was an institution in itself; and many inci- 
dents might be told of its experiences in 'junkets,' serenad- 
ing and ' missionary work ' in the ' wee sma' hours ' on many 
occasions. More than once have officers doffed their shoul- 
der-straps and carried a brass instrument as a means of 
gaining entree into circles otherwise inaccessible to them. 
Some of its members were accomplished vocalists, so that 
song and chorus often diversified an evening's entertainment. 

" An incident occurring just after ' making a night of 
it' in serenadinor some time iu 1864 will serve to show the 
effect of camp life iu corrupting the morals of otherwise 
staid, sober characters when under the influence of the home- 
circle in civil life. Bill L — and Theodore P — r were rival 
' tuba ' players. The former became quite convivial at a 
certain serenade, and as they were returning to camp at 
about midnight, the writer of these lines mischievously 



388 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

took up a handful of withered weeds and rammed them into 
tlie bell of Bill's ' tuba.' He only discovered the obstacle 
after a vain attempt to blow through his instrument, and 
then flew into a towering passion. Striking a dramatic atti- 
tude he said, ' Gentlemen, when I'm at home I'm considered 
a pretty good Methodist ; but I'll be d — d if I can't whip the 
man who put those weeds in my horn, even if he is " Theo" 
P— r.' 

"We all remember how little Tim Cannon would show 
his belligerent spirit whenever any other spirits were down; 
also, how Colonel Osborn stood . McGregor against a tree as 
punishment for confiscating a pig near the Howlett House, 
which same pig subsequently went to the Colonel's mess; 
and how Brown captivated Sam Greenbaum's best girl at 
Norfolk, Va. It can also be mentioned how Ed. Conley's 
speculation in dried-apple pies came to an inglorious termi- 
nation when he was mobbed and capsized in a neighboring 
camp in which he offered his wares for sale. 

" On a little trip from Norfolk up the Elizabeth river, 
the band boys were interested in seeing a Freedman's school 
at a point some fifteen miles from Norfolk. Two young 
white ladies and about fifty negro children came to the river 
bank as we approached, and our attention was called by the 
captain of the boat who said, ' Gentlemen, this is the confis- 
cated plantation of Governor Wise who hanged John Brown ; 
and those ladies are Brown's daughters who are engaged in 
teaching a Freedman's school here.' So much for the 
whirligig of Time in even those few years. 

" The members of the band have seen Jeff Davis on the 
parapet of Fort Monroe, a prisoner; and General Lee in St. 
Paul's church at Richmond. They played at the unveiling 
of the Thomas Wilder monument in Baltimore, and later in 
the capitol of the late C. S. A. at Bichmoud on July 4th, 
1865. 

" One brief incident and I have done. On a dark, driz- 



THE REGIMENTAL BAND. 389 

zliiig night at the Bermuda Hundred defenses a terrific 
artillery duel took place. The band was huddled together 
in its ' dug-out ' ' bomb proof,' which was without any sort 
of cover, when a rebel missile came crashing through the 
pines, struck a tree, rolled up the elevation, and having 
almost spent its force, fell over among the members of the 
band. It struck Phil Lace upon the shoulder and then fell 
on Conley's leg. It was at once, while yet warm from the 
gun, picked up and throAVJi from the bomb-proof. Next 
morning it was examined, and proved to be a spherical case 
shot. If it had exploded there would have been no more 
music for the Thirty-Ninth from us " in all probability. 

The only attempt at a meeting of the band members 
since the disbandment of the regiment was at the re-union 
held at Wilmington in 1884. There were present then, with 
their instruments. Comrades McGregor, now a druggist at 
Pontiac ; A, J. Wilson, of Jackson, Mich. ; Sam Greenbaum, 
of Fairbury; Theo. W. Pitcher, then of Marseilles; W. W. 
Hughes, of Chicago; Sam Hull, of Morris; and lastly, Ed. 
Conley, who Avas President of the Association for that year. 
They played the' Slumber Polka and other airs familiar to 
the "yets" on that February night with an almost electrical 
effect. As to the last-named comrade, Conley, it may be 
remarked that he has been the publisher of the Wilminglon 
Advocate for the past eighteen years, and editor of the 
Joliet Signal since December 1st, 1886. Philip Lace, the 
band leader, and Enoch Hedge died long since; "Wall" 
Hughes and "Tim" Cannon are also dead; and Uncle Mike 
Fuller, now in his eightieth year, is an invalid in Wilming- 
ton and will probably see few more re-unions of the regi- 
ment. 



390 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

ORIGINAL BAND OF THE THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS 
VOLUNTEERS. 

Leader of Band. 

Philip M. Lace. Enlisted September 22, 1861; discharged by order 
of the War Department June 4, 1862. 

First Class Musicians. 

N. B. Bowman. Enlisted October 2, 1861; discharged June 4, 1862. 

B. B. Hull. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged June 4, 1862. 

Wm. C. Haeeah. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged June 4, 1862. 

Wm. Hanning. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged June 4, 1862. 

Fkank R. Summees. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged June 4, 
1862. 

Henbt F. Williams. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged June 
4, 1862. 

Samuel R. Williams. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged June 
4, 1862. 

Second Class Musicians. 

Calvin Hannah. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged June 4, 
1862. Taken prisoner at Strasburgh, Va., May, 1862; paroled, and 
discharged by order of the War Department. 

Ed. H. Lane. Enlisted October 2, 1861; taken prisoner at Strasburgh, 
Va., May, 1862. Paroled, and disharged by order of the War De- 
partment. 

T. W. PiTCHEE. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged June 4, 
1862, by order of the War Department. 

Andeew Thaee. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order 
of the War Department, June 4, 1862. 

D. C. Meabs. Enlisted October 8, 1861; discharged by order of the 
War Department, June 4, 1862. 

J. C. Towns. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the 
War Department, June 4, 1862. 

Third Class Musicians. 

James M. Johnson. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order 
of the War Department, June 4, 1862. 

A. A. Ladd. Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the 

War Department, June 4, 1862. 

B. W. FiSHEE. Enlisted October 8, 1861; discharged by order of the' 

War Department, June 4, 1862. 

Alfoed Schekmeehoen. Enlisted August 17, 1861; discharged by 
order of the War Department, June 4, 1862. 

C. E. Smith. Enlisted October 5, 1861; discharged by order of the 

War Department, June 4, 1862. 



THE REGIMENTAL BAND. 391 

THE BAND OF 1864 AND 1865. 

* Philip M. Lace, Leader Eb Cornet, 1st. 

Enoch C. Hedge Eb " 2iid. 

James A. Wilson Bb " 1st. 

Edwabd D. Conley Bb " 2nd. 

Heney T. Jones Eb Alto, Solo 1st. 

Chakles a. McGeegok Eb " 2nd. 

Edwakd a. Sackett Eb " 3rd. 

Samuel F. Hull Bb Baritone Solo. 

Samuel Gkeenbaum Bb Tenor, 1st. 

Fbank L. Buttebfield Bb " 2nd. 

William H. Beown Bb " 2nd. 

William C. Lace Eb Tuba, 1st. 

* Theo. W. Pitches Eb " 2nd. 

John Lewis Cymbals. 

* James M. Johnson " 

Timothy Cannon Small Drum. 

William Hughes Bass " 

M. H. Fulleb " " 

* Members of original band. 



CHAPTEK XXIII. 



Company A — How Organized — Roster and Biographies — Summary of 
Casualties, Etc. 



Sketch of Company A. 

n^HIS company was enlisted in the early part of April, 
1861, during that exciting period following the firing 
upon Fort Sumter, and within three days many more men 
had been enrolled than could be taken in one company, so 
that selection was made in securing what was considered the 
best material for soldiers. The election for officers resulted 
in the choice of — 

SYLVESTER W. MUNN foe Captain. 

JOSEPH W. RICHARDSON fob Fiest Lieutenant. 

LEROY A. BAKER foe Second Lieutenant. 

The full muster-roll of one hundred and three men was im- 
mediately forwarded to Springfield, 111., for registry by the 
Adj atant-General of the State, and it should, by reason of 
precedence, have been assigned to the Twentieth Illinois 
Volunteer Infantry, but through some favoritism a second 
company, raised at Joliet, 111., received the place. The majority 
of the men who had enlisted were anxious to enter into active 
service, and the company was practically disbanded, many 
enlisting in the Twentieth Illinois and other organizations 
that were preparing to take the field. A sufiicient ntimber, 
however, remained behind to form the nucleus for another 
company. The Thirty-Ninth Illinois Infantry were organ- 
izing in Chicago and this company was offered a place as 
soon as the War Dei3artment would accept the regiment. 

392 



ROSTER OF COMPANY A.^ OFFICERS. 393 

After the first battle of Bull Enn notice Avas received 
that the Thirty-Ninth was to be accepted, and measures were 
at once taken to recruit; and August 5th, 1861, Captain 
Munn with about fifty men proceeded to Chicago, and upon 
presentation of the muster-roll to Captain Webb, U. S. A., 
they were mustered into the service of the United States and 
assigned as Company A, Thirty-Ninth Illinois. 

The company was made comfortable in quarters m the 
buildino- known as the Eepublican Wigwam on Market street, 
and remained there until about the first of September, when 
the regimental encampment was established on vacant 
ground"^ on Indiana avenue, near Twenty-sixth street. 

The men forming this company were principally from 
the vicinity of Wilmington, 111., and mostly farmers, or 
farmers' sons. They made earnest and loyal soldiers, ever 
maintaining a good state of order and discipline, each man 
contributing his due share in making the record of the Ihir- 
tv-Ninth regiment the peer of any that the State sent forth. 
^ The company took part in every battle m which the 
regiment was engaged, as well as having several independent 
skirmishes in which it won commendations not only from its 
immediate commanders but from general officers. . 

It re-enlisted as veterans in January, 1864, at Milton 
Head, S. C, for three years, or during the continuance ot 
the war. 

EosTEE OF Company A. 

S,e»rviceb, reason ot the loss ot a leg, August «th, 1864. 
York, and vemoved to Will county, lU.nols. m the jea. >«• »■ ° 

in the .ecruitmg ot oo^p™. - «- -i-r-;::!:;:;:^^! 

reratr:rtr;eg-Lr.'r::n>;.ea .o H„ne„e., Ma., he .a. .™„s- 



394 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

ported to that point by canal-boat. He was unable to take any part in the 
operations at Alpine Station, Va., in resisting the rebel advance on Jan- 
uary 3d and 4th. He had command of the provost-guards of General 
Shields' division for some time, and while at Luray, Va., made a search for 
articles contraband of war at the house of General Jordan, who was chief- 
of-stafif to General Beauregard, and took possession of a large number of 
hospital tents, together with some barrels of sugar and syrup. After the 
battle of Port Republic he took possession of the house for hospital uses. 
He was "officer of the day " and in charge of the picket line at the time of 
the assault on Morris Island, S. C, July 10th, 1863. At the battle of 
Drury's Bluff, May 16th. 1864, after Major S. S. Linton had been wounded, 
and the senior Captain, Hiram Phillips, of Company I, had been captured, 
he was called upon to assume the command and retained it until Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Mann relieved him, late in the afternoon of that day. Again, 
on May 20th, after Lieutenant-Colonel Mann had been wounded, he took 
command of the regiment, retaining it until the 16th day of August, when 
he received a wound in the right leg which so shattered the bones of the 
member as to require amputation. 

Captain Baker was a capable and considerate officer; brave and con- 
scientious in the performance of whatever duty was assigned to him, and 
was always respected by his command. After his return to civil life he 
secured the appointment of postmaster at Wilmington, 111., filling the 
position most acceptably. After his retirement from public life the Cap- 
tain engaged in the real estate and insurance business, which still occupies 
his attention at Wilmington. 

Captain Horace B. Parker. Enlisted in 1861; promoted to First 
Sergeant December 1st, 1861; promoted to First Lieutenant Decem- 
ber 7th, 1864; and to Captain, March 31st, 186.5 — this being the date 
of his muster to that rank, although he had performed the duties of 
the position since Captain Baker's wound. 
Captain Parker is now living at Albaton, Iowa. 

First Lieutenant Josepin W. RicJiardson. Gave assistance 
in raising the company, and received his commission August 5th, 
1861. 

Lieutenant Richardson was born at Morristown, St. Lawrence county, 
N. Y., July 12th, 1830. He commenced life by teaching school in the State 
of New York, and followed that vocation for three or four years, when he 
took up the study of law at Ogdensburg, N. Y. After his admission to the 
bar he removed to Wilmington, 111., and associated himself with S. W. 
Munn in the practice of his profession, and where he remained until Com- 
pany A joined the Thirty-Ninth at Chicago. October 26th, 1861, while at 
Williamsport, Md., he was stricken down with typhoid fever, and died 
November 17th. He was buried at Williamsport, on the banks of the 
Potomac river, with military honors. 

First Lieutenant Leroy A. Baker. Promoted Captain Decem- 
ber 1st, 1861, vice Captain Munn, promoted. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY A.~OFFICERS. 395 

First Lieutenant Allen B. Joinnson. Promoted December 1st, 
1861, Vice Baker, promoted. 

Nothing is known of Lieutenant Johnson's antecedents except that 
he was born in Pennsylvania. He died at Newbern, N. C, September 10th, 
1864, of yellow fever, while on detached service as ordnance officer. 

First Lieutenant Horace B. Parker. Promoted to Captain 
March 31st, 1865. vice Baker, mustered out. 

First Lieutenant Joinn E. Herriott. Promoted March sist, 
1865, vice Parker, promoted. 

Lieutenant Herriott proved to be an excellent soldier, and was a 
popular officer. On leaving the service he returned to his former home 
and resumed the occupation of farming. He attends most of the annual 
re-unions of the regiment. He lives near Wilmington, 111. 

Second Lieutenant Leroy A. Baker. Commissioned August 

5th, 1861. 

Second Lieutenant Alien B. Joinnson. Promoted March I7th, 

1861, vice Baker, promoted. 

Second Lieutenant James Burrill. Promoted December 1st, 
1861, vice Johnson, promoted. Wounded in the neck while in camp 
at Bermuda Hundred, Va.. May 25th. 1864. Mustered out at expira- 
tion of his term of service, October 26th, 1864. 

Lieutenant Burrill is now residing at Braidwood, 111., engaged in coal 
mining. 

First Sergeant Alien B. Johnson. Enlisted July, 1861. Pro- 
moted Second Lieutenant November 17th, 1861. 

Sergeant James Burrill. Enlisted from Wilmington August 5th, 
1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant December 1st, 1861. 

Sergeant George Krauskup. Enlisted from Wilmington August, 
5th. 1861. Discharged February 5th, 1862, for disability. 

Sergeant William H.Johnson. Enlisted August 5th, 1 861. Re- 
duced to the ranks March 1st, 1862. Transferred to the regular army 
December 20th. 1862. 

Sergeant Henry G. Smith. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Wounded 
October 9th, 1863, by a fragment of shell while passing up the beach 
on Morris Island, S. C, which wound required the amputation of his 
right leg. 

Sergeant Smith at the time of being wounded was in charge of some 
thirty men, and was proceeding to Fort Gregg for duty. As he was pass- 
ing Fort Wagner a shell from a rebel battery exploded over him, wounding 
him in the leg, and immediately afterwards another one exploded very 
near him, throwing him some ten feet and badly injuring his side. He has 
been an invalid since his discharge from the service, and confined to his 
house. At Hancock, Md., in January, 1862, he was detailed and put in 
command of thirty-five men as guard to an ammunition train belonging 
to Second Brigade, Third Division of Banks' Army, in command of General 



396 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Williams. At the second battle of Bull Run he was ordered to burn his 
train, but succeeded in taking it through to Washington all right. He was 
at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, and rejoined his regiment 
in October, 1862, at Suffolk, Va. He is living at Dawson, Sangamon 
county, 111. 

Sergeant Horace B. Parker. Enlisted August 5th, I86I. Veteran. 
Promoted First Lieutenant. September 8th, 1864. 

Corporal William J. Harris. Enlisted August 19th, I86I. Pro- 
moted Sergeant March 1st, 1862. Killed June 17th, 1864, in skirmish 
near Chester Station, Va. 

Corporal John E. Herriott. Enlisted August 5th, I86I. Veteran. 
Promoted Sergeant March 1st, 1862. Wounded at Fort Gregg, S. C, 
in the face. Promoted First Lieutenant March 31st, 1865, vice Par- 
ker, promoted. 

Corporal William J. Russell. Enlisted August 15th, I86I. Dis- 
charged for disability August 15th, 1862. Is living at Chicago, 111. 

Corporal David O. Herrin. Enlisted August 15th, I86I. Reduced 
to ranks January 1st, 1862. Discharged July 20th, 1862. 

Corporal William A. Keepers. Enlisted August 5th, I86I. 

Veteran. Wounded at Fort Gregg, Va., and promoted to Sergeant 
April 2d. 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Corporal William R. Jones. Enlisted August 8th, I86I. Trans- 
ferred to regular army November 17th, 1862. 

Corporal Michael Dorr. Enlisted August 5th, I86I. Mustered out 
at expiration of term of service, September 10th, 1864. 

Corporal Thomas Deline. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. 
Taken prisoner near Drury's Bluff, Va., June 2d, 1864. Mustered out 
under General Order 77, War Department, August 16th, 1864. 



Privates. 



Ahrens, Claus. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Wounded at 
battle of Wier Bottom church, Va.. May 20th, 1864. 

Atkins, William C. Enlisted August 15th, 1861. Discharged for 
disability July 21st, 1862. 

Adams, Samuel. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged for dis- 
ability June 1st, 1862. 

Adams served as nurse in regimental hospital for some time. Is liv- 
ing at Minooka, 111. 

Ashton, Daniel. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Taken 
prisoner at battle of Drury's Bluflf. Va., May 16th, 1864. Mustered 
out under Order 77, War Department, August 16th, 1865. Lives at 
Nickerson, Kansas. 

Abrams, Frank. Enlisted January 4th, 1864. Taken prisoner May 
20th, 1864, at Wier Bottom church. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY A.—PRIVATEIS. 397 

Armstrong, Patrick C. Enlisted November 1st, 1861. Taken 
prisoner in 1861'. Mustered out August 6th, 1863, for disability. 

Brooks, L. R. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Served for two 
years as brigade postmaster. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Butterfield, William. Enlisted August 12th, 1S61. Veteran. Pro- 
moted Corporal August 22d, 1863. Killed August 16th, 1864. He was 
one of the color-guard. 

Brannackman. B. C Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Dropped be- 
fore muster. 

Baxter, William. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Wounded in 
the shoulder May 16th. 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Wilmington, 111. 

Burden, John. Enlisted August 17th, 1861. Veteran. Killed Au- 
gust 16th. 

Brown, William H. R. Enlisted August 21st. 1861. Wounded in 
the hand and finger amputated at Wier Bottom church June 2d, 
1864. Mustered out at expiration of service, August, 1864. His 
present address is Salida, Colorado. 

Benton, Silas. Enlisted August 12th, 1861. Transferred to Com- 
pany E, November 15th, 1861. Is dead. 

Bailey, Patrick. Enlisted October 14th, 1861. Transferred to regu- 
lar army November 27th, 1862. 

Brown, Henry. Enlisted December 26th, 1863. Wounded May 16th, 
1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered out December 16th, 1865. 

In the Adjutant-General's Report the name is given as Henry H. 
Bowen. The writer does not know which is correct. 

Brucket, Florence. Enlisted February 19th. 1864. Taken prisoner 
May 16th, 1864, and sent to Andersonville, Georgia. 

Brown, Kental. Enlisted April 5th. 1865. Substitute. 

Clapp, Fred G. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Promoted to Quarter- 
Master Sergeant December 31st, 1861. Mustered out at expiration 
of service. 

Croop, George W. Enlisted September 16th, 1861. Discharged 
July 21st. 1862, for disability. 

Croop, Jonas F. Enlisted from Gardner August 5th, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded August 16th, 1864. Mustered out August 1st, 1865. 

Carpenter, Joseph M. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged 
February 16th. 1862, for disability. 

Carpenter, A. F. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Promoted 
Corporal July 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living 
at Wilmington, 111. 

Carter, Joseph. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Died of wounds re- 
ceived at Fort Wagner, S. C, August 26th, 1863. 

Carter, William C. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged Novem- 
ber 15th, 1862, for disability. 



398 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Cochran, David M. Enlisted August 8th, 1861. Veteran. Pro- 
moted Corporal May 15th, 18G5. Mustered out December Gth, 1865. 

Calhoun, Wm. W. Enlisted August 15th, 1861. Died at regimental 
hospital February 23d, 1862, at Patterson's Creek, Va. 

Collinge, Alexander J. Enlisted September 12th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Sergeant March 1st, 1862. 

Collinge was injured in a collision on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne 
and Chicago railroad near Crestline in April, 1864, when going home on a 
furlough. On his return to the regiment he was detached for duty in the 
ambulance corps. He now resides at Manchester, Iowa, and is practicing 
Teterinary surgery. 

Curtis, Cyrus. Enlisted September 12th, 1861. Veteran. Discharged 
September 2d, 1865, under General Order 396, War Department. Is 
living at Channahon, 111. 

Conroy, Francis. Enlisted October 1st, 1861. Discharged May 25th, 
1862, for disability. 

Coons, Montreville. Enlisted February 20th, 1864. Wounded and 
taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluflf, Va. 

Corrigan, Hugh. Enlisted December 30th, 1863. Wounded May 16th, 
1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Died of wounds June 3d, 1864. 

Cambellick, William. Enlisted October 8th, 1864. Wounded April 
2d, 1865, at Fort Gregg, Va. Is now farming near Gettysburg, Dakota. 

Cubberly, Mills. Enlisted April 6th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Conley, Edward D. Enlisted January 5th, 1864. Detailed to the 
regimental band. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Conley entered the service from the town of Wesley, 111. His brother, 
John Conley, had entered the service previously as Second Lieutenant of 
Company E. After the muster-out Conley returned to Wilmington, 111., 
and soon started in the newspaper business, editing and publishing the 
Wilmington Advocate, and made it very popular. Some years ago, to- 
gether with Mr. Zarley, he established the Joliet Signal. He is a vigorous 
and entertaining writer and is always " on deck " and at the front. Al- 
though doing business at Joliet, he still makes his residence at Wilming- 
ton. His social qualities were always agreeable and made him popular 
with his comrades, and he still retains them. We remember his old-time 
jollity and jokes, and they sometimes crop out even now, although much 
sobered down since he joined the benedicts. 

Connell, Charles C. Enlisted February 28th, 1862. Discharged 
* June 21st, 1862, for disability. 

The Adjutant-General's report has his name Charles O'Connell. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Dailey, Daniel. Enlisted December 28th, 1863. W'ounded May 20th, 
1864. Died at Newbern, N. C, March 26th, 1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY A— PRIVATES. 399 

Day, Henry M. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Promoted 
to Corporal March 1st. 1862: to Sergeant June 1st. 1865. ^Younded 
April 2d. 1865. at the assault on Fort Gregg, Ya.. while planting the 
colors of the regiment on the fort. Discharged for disability July 
3d, 1865. 

Day was rewarded with a medal of honor for his bravery, by the 
War Dejiartment at Washington. 

DobSOn, James. Enlisted December 23d, 1863. Wounded May 20th, 

1864. and suffered the loss of an arm. Discharged November 3d, 

1865, for disability. 

Douse, Casper. Enlisted February 23d, 1864. Mustered out May 
22d, 1865. under Order No. 77, War Department. 

Dolan, Timothy. Enlisted December 26th. 186.3. Wounded May 
16th, 1864. Transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. Absent, 
wounded, at muster out. Is living at Joliet, 111. 

Farable, David E. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Died at Newbern, 
N. C, April 22d. 1862. 

Fitzpatrick, Micinael. Enlisted August 14th, 1861. Transferred 
to the regular army November 26th, 1862. 

Fuller, Myron C. Enlisted June 5th. 1864, and was detailed to the 
regimental band: Mustered out December 6th, 1805. Is living at 
Wilmington, 111. 

GOSS, Andrew. Enlisted January 4th, 1864. Died at Chicago, August 
11th, 1864. 

Galherer, John. Enlisted December 28th. 1864. Wounded in the 
hand October 13th, 1864. Discharged under Order 96, War Depart- 
ment. 

GlaSSOn, Peter. Enlisted April nth, 1865. Mustered out with regi- 
ment December 6th, 1865. 

Hartman, William H. Enlisted August 8th, 1861. Died at Cum- 
berland, Md., February 6th, 1862. 

Hicks, William. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Died February 5th, 
1862, at Cumberland, Md. 

Holz, Ernest. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Cor- 
poral January 1st, 1865; to Sergeant July 3d, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th. 1865. 

Hedge, Enoch C. Enlisted August 15th, I86I. Veteran. Detached 
to regimental band. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Hedge took a gun and entered the ranks at the battles of Drury's 
Bluff and Strawberry Plains, Va., and did excellent service. 

Holter, John. Enlisted August 17th, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Cor- 
poral March 1st, 1862. Wounded May 20th, 1864. Promoted Ser- 
geant April 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Houghton, Herrick. Enlisted August 22d, 1861. Veteran. Pro- 
moted Corporal April 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 
Is living at Fairbury, 111. 



400 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Howell, George. Enlisted August lyth, I86I. Discharged February 
5th, 1862, for disability. 

Hughes, William J. Enlisted February 24th, 1864. Was detailed 
to the regimental band. Died at Chicago, 1886, of consumption. 

After leaving the service in 1865, Hughes engaged in the saloon 
business, corner of State and Eighteenth streets, and amassed considerable 
wealth. 

HennlngS, John. Enlisted February 18th, 1864. Wounded in the 
head October 7th, 1864. near Chapin's Farm, Va. Taken prisoner 
and paroled April 9th, 1865, at Appomattox. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. Is living at Wilmington, 111. 

Hopkins, Joseph. Enlisted February 29th, 1864. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Hurlbut, Amos. Enlisted December 29th, 1863. Discharged Feb- 
ruary 16th, 1865, by order of War Department. 

Hines, James H. Enlisted April 12th, 1865. Mustered out June 
3d, 1865. 

HigginS, James T. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Irish, Frank. Enlisted February 19th, 1864. Wounded October 7th, 
1864, near Chapin's Farm, Va. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is 
living at Wilmington, 111. 

Johnson, Ed. J. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged March 19th, 
1863, for disability. Is living at Kankakee, 111. 

Killfoyl, James. Enlisted September 10th, 1861. Deserted March 
17th, 1864. 

Kyle, Joseph. Enlisted October 8th, 1864. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Knowles, Benjamin F. Enlisted August 22d, 1861. Discharged for 
disability July 22d, 1862. 

Knowles was injured in the leg at Cumberland, Md.,by being run into 
by a coasting sled. Is living in Chicago; address not known. 

Lyons, George. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Died February 23d, 
1863, at St. Helena Island, S. C. 

Lawler, Michael. Enlisted September 16th, 1861. Discharged July 

1st, 1862, for disability. 

Lynch, John. Enlisted October 31st, 1861. Mustered out at ex- 
piration of service, October 30th, 1864. 

Murphy, Orrin. Enlisted September 10th, 1861. Discharged Sep- 
tember 4th, 1863, for disability. 

Mott, George. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Died February 2d, 1862, 
at Cumberland, Md. 

McCullum, Alexander. Enlisted September 14th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted to Corporal October 15th, 1865; was transferred from Com- 
pany E, November 16th, 1861. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY A— PRIVATES. 401 

McCarty, Peter. Enlisted August 12th, 1861. Died June 12th, 1862, 
at Alexandria, Va. 

McCullOCh, John. Enlisted August loth, 1861. Mustered out at 
expiration of service September 10th, 1864. 

Martin, James. Enlisted August 16th, 1861. Veteran. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

McDonald, James. Enlisted September 10th, 1861. Mustered out 
September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Maher, John. Enlisted September 10th, 1861. Died January 16th, 
1862, at Cumberland, Md. 

McKnight, William. Enlisted October 22d, 1861. Mustered out 
October 22d, 1864, at expiration of service. 

McKendrick, Michael. Enlisted December 26th, 1863. Wounded 
in skirmish with the enemy near Chester Station, Va., and taken 
prisoner June 16th, 1864. 

Malony, James. Enlisted December 4th, 1863. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. Is living at Blackberry, 111. 

Murray, James. Enlisted January 16th, 1864. Wounded in shoulder 
October 7th. 1864, near Chapin's Farm, Va. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

McGlasSOn, Leonard. Enlisted April 1st, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

McGraine, Con. Enlisted April lOth, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Mahone, Michael. Enlisted April 4th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Nichols, Ira. Enlisted August 21st, 1861. Veteran. Wounded and 
taken prisoner May 20th, 1864, and escaped, but was recaptured, and 
died in prison at Florence, S. C. 

Nichols, Benjamin. Enlisted December 24th, 1863. Promoted to 
Corporal September 28th. 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 
Is living at Wilmington, 111. 

Osgood, Thomas. Enlisted February I'Jth, 1864. Wounded Au- 
gust 16th, 1864. Died in hospital September 28th, 1864. 

Osgood, Jerry. Enlisted February 19th, 1864. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th. 1865. 

Ottenheimer, Solomon. Enlisted October 1st, 1864. Discharged 
June 21st, 1865, under Order 96, War Department. 

Pelton, Alsen D. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Taken prisoner at 
Strasburgh, Va., May, 1862. Discharged December 1st, 1862. 

Proud, Samuel F. Enlisted August 8th, 1861. Veteran. Wounded 
in the arm May 20th, 1864. Killed at Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865. 

Perkins, James, Enlisted August 8th, 1861. Died September 7th, 
1861, at Chicago, 111. 

Phillips, James P. Enlisted August 13th, 1861. Discharged June 
8th, 1863, for disability. 
26 



4;02 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Pemberton, Henry. Enlisted January 1st, 1862. Died June 18th, 
1864, in general hospital. 

Preston, William. Enlisted March 8th, 1864. Mustered out Jan- 
uary 21st, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Rourk, Hugln. Enlisted August 20th, 1861. Veteran. Killed April 

2d, 1865, at Fort Gregg, Va. 

Randall, Frank R. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged Octo- 
ber 28th, 1863, for disability. 

Reed, William H. Enlisted August 15th, 1861. Promoted Corporal 
March 1st, 1863. Captured by the enemy June 2d, 1864. Mustered 
out August 15th, 1865. 

Ryan, Thomas. Enlisted August 25th, 1863. Acted as Orderly on 
General Osborn's staff during the spring campaign of 1865. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

RodgerS, Thomas. Enlisted December 24th, 1861. Discharged De- 
cember 1st, 1862, for disability. 

Ruppenthal, Henry. Enlisted January 1st, 1862. Veteran. 
Wounded May 20th, 1864. Arm so shattered that amputation was 
necessary. Died in general hospital June 18th, 1864. 

Rollins, L. P. Enlisted October 8th, 1864. 

Starkweather, Henry. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Died July 14th, 
1863, on Folly Island, S. C. 

Stumph, Michael. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged August 
4th, 1862, for disability. 

Scanlin, John. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Wounded at Bermuda 
Hundred, Va. Mustered out November 20th, 1864, at expiration of 
service. 

Stewart, James. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged August 4th, 
1862. for disability. 

Smith, Nicholas. Enlisted August 21st, 1861. Veteran. Wounded 
April 2d, 1865, at assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Died of wounds April 
4th, 1865. 

Sullivan, Michael. Enlisted August 22d, 1861. Discharged May 
19th, 1862 for- disability. 

Sherman, Martin. Enlisted September 12th, 1861. Veteran. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Sovereign, Milton. Enlisted September 14th, 1861, as musician. 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Sovereign is now living at York, Nebraska, and holds the oifice of 
clerk of the county court. 

Seybert, Andrew. Enlisted August 8th, 1861. Veteran. Taken 
prisoner May 16th, 1864. at Drury's Bluff, Va. Died in Anderson- 
ville prison August 11th, 1864. 

Smith, Charles W. Enlisted February 25th, 1864. Deserted Oc- 
tober 26th, 1865. 



FOSTER OF COMPANY A—PRIVATES. 403 

Taylor, Galveston A. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Pro- 
moted to Corporal September 10th, 1864; to Sergeant March 1st, 
1865; to Second Lieutenant October 10th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Tewkey, Edward. Enlisted August 14th. 1861. Mustered out Sep- 
tember lOth, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Tracy, Harvey. Enlisted August 19th, 1861. Taken prisoner May 
16th. 1864. at Drury's Bluflf, Va., and sent to Andersonville prison. 

Taylor, Bufort. Enlisted December 25th. 1863. Died at Richmond. 
Va.. May 14th, 1865. 

Tower, Frank H. Enlisted February 29th, 1864. 

Tower held a clerkship during his term of service — first as company 
clerk; then clerk in Regimental Adjutant's oflBce; also held the position of 
chief clerk at headquarters of the First Brigade, and subsequently the posi- 
tion of chief clerk in the otSce of the Assistant Inspector General of the 
Southeastern Department of Virginia at Norfolk. After his return to civil 
life he located in Chicago, 111., and engaged in the insurance business. 
Subsequently he removed to Milwaukee, Wis., still pursuing the same line 
of business, and where he may now be addressed. 

Thewlis, William. Enlisted February 19th, 1864. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Vowalt, Christian. Enlisted February 24th, 1864. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Walters, Charles L. Enlisted October 10th, 1861, Taken prisoner 
May 16th, at Drury's BlufiE, Va. Died at Annapolis, Md., March 26th, 
1865. 

Wiser, Theodore S. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Wounded June 
2d. 1864. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of 
service. 

Watson, John M. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged May 16th, 
1863, for disability. Is living at Spencer, Iowa. 

Whitney, Henry P. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Veteran. Wounded 
June 2d. 1864. near Wier Bottom church, Va., and suffered the ampu- 
tation of his right arm. 

After leaving the service Whitney served as Deputy United States 
Marshal for some years. Is now residing at Chicago. 

Weldon, Jacob M. Enlisted August 8th, 1861. Veteran. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 

Watts, Charles W. Enlisted August 15th, 1861. Veteran. Dropped 
from the rolls as deserter, October 22d, 1865. 

Wilcox, James M. Enlisted August 19th.l861. Veteran. Wounded 
May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluflf, Va. Discharged June 30th, 1865, for 
wounds. 

Wayne, Winters. Enlisted March 11th, 1865. Discharged by War 
Department Order 96. 



404 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Wells, Pomeroy. Enlisted August 22d, I86I. Discharged May 25th, 
1862, for disability, 

WirtS, George. Enlisted August 27th, 1861. Mustered out Septem- 
ber 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Willard, C. S. Enlisted September 17th, 1861. Wounded October 7th, 
1864, near Chapin's Farm, Va., and at Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865. 
Discharged August 17th, 1865, for disability. 

Wilcox, William. Enlisted October lOth, 1861. Veteran. Wounded 
May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Welch, James. Enlisted October 14th, 1861. Transferred to regular 
army November 26th, 1862, 

Willard, William. Enlisted December 26th, 1863. Wounded May 
16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va., and October 13th, 1864, at battle of 
Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va, Is living at Channahon, 111. 

Yates, George. Enlisted August 15th, 1861. Promoted to Corporal 
August 1st, 1862; to Sergeant August 8th, 1864. Wounded at Darby- 
town Cross-Roads, Va., October 13th, 1864. 

Yates was pierced with four bullets while carrying the regimental 
colors in the charge made upon the rebel works and was captured and 
taken to Castle Thunder, Va. He was paroled October 13th, 1864, and sent 
to Annapolis, Md., where he died from his wounds October 26th, 1864. 
After his death a commission was received for him as Captain United 
States Colored troops. 



SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES. 405 



Summary of Casualties, Etc. 

Killed in battle 6 

Died of wounds 10 

Died in jji-ison 2 

Died of disease 14 

Lost limbs 6 

Wounded 36 

Discharged for disability 30 

Transferred 7 

Deserted 11 

Taken prisoner 12 

Mustered out at expiration of service 21 

Enlisted as veterans 26 

Number originally enlisted 1)7 

Recruits 61 

Returned at muster-out of regiment. . . 67 

Known to be livilig (1889) 32 



Note. — It is to be regretted that the roster and history of the enlisted men is not 
more perfect. There has been found a great discrepancy existing between the roster 
prepared by the Kegimeutal Adjutant (which has been principally the guide for the 
writer) and that published by the Adjutant-General of the State. If it could have been 
prepared or even revised by a Company officer it would have been more satisfactory. 
The name or record of a man might as well be omitted entirely as to have it misspelled 
and misquoted. These remarks apply to all of the companies except K, the roster 
of which was furnished by Sergeant Slagle. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



Company B— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biography— Sum- 
mary of Casualties. 



HisTOEY OF Company B. 

^HIS company was organized at Bloomington, 111., on tlie 
12th day of August, 1861. After the old Eighth 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry had served its three months on 
the banks of the " Big Muddy " and at Cairo, 111., those who 
did not wish to re-enlist for the three years' service re- 
turned to their homes with their honorable discharo-e in 
pocket, feeling in a measure unsettled as to what they would 
do. The news of the first battle at Bull Run spreading 
over the country as fast as electricity could carry it — a 
battle and a defeat, — so excited and stirred up the feelings 
of the boys that it soon decided the old members of Com- 
pany K of the Eighth Illinois who had seen service as above 
mentioned, to re-enlist, and thus they became the nucleus 
of Company B, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. These men 
were George T. Heritage, Al. C. Sweetser, James Gibson, 
D. F. Sellards, L. D. Kidder, Harvey Bailey, James S. 
Haldeman, Stephen Johnson, and others whose names we 
cannot at present recall. After a few days active work in 
recruiting we had a sufiicient number on the rolls to call a 
meeting, which was held at No. 214 North Front street, for 
the purpose of electing officers and perfecting the organiza- 
tion. At this meeting, which was largely attended by those 
who had enlisted, the following officers were chosen: 

Fob Captain, ISAIAH W. WILMARTH. 

FiBST Lieutenant, DAVID F. SELLARDS. 

Second Lieutenant, JAMES S. HALDEMAN. 

406 



HISTORY OF COMPANY B. 407 

The company proceeded to Chicago, where it was assigned 
to the Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers as Com- 
pany B, having at that time thirty-four enlisted men. 
While at Chicago thirty-six more recruits joined it be- 
fore muster into the United States service October 11th, 
1861. 

Company B participated in all the movements and bat- 
tles the regiment was engaged in, and won for itself an 
enviable reputation for soldierly conduct. At the battle of 
Drury's Bluff on the 16th day of May, 1864, when the 
troops on the right of the line had been driven back, and 
the men on the right of our own regiment were giving way 
file by file, stubbornly contesting every inch of the ground, 
and as the men of Coinpany B were dropping back until 
Alexander Paul was reached, Sergeant Joseph Hallett said 
to him, "'Aleck,' there is no orders to retreat; hold your 
ground!" and then drawing his revolver and covering the 
" color bearer " commanded him to return with the colors, 
and at the same time called upon the regiment to rally — 
which it did in grand style; and while the right of the line 
was making rapid strides to the rear, the Thirty-Ninth alone 
Avas advancing on the enemy and keeping his left in a spirit- 
ed engagement, so much so, that General Alfred H. Terry' 
was heard to say, "In the name of God! what troops are 
engaojed on our left? " 

On the 20th of May, at Wier Bottom church, Ya.. it 
did noble service, losing several men in killed and wounded. 
At this battle Lieutenant Al. C. Sweetser acted as Adjutant 
to the regiment. On the 2d day of June, 1864, while it was 
on duty at the front near Wier Bottom church. Lieutenant 
Sweetser was wounded through both legs. It took an active 
part in the battle of Darbytown Cross-Eoads, Va., losing 
heavily in killed and Avounded. Captain Heritage was se- 
verely wounded in this action and to his credit be it 
said, he entered into the engagement after his term of ser- 



408 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

vice had expired, and his order for "muster out" was at 
brigade headquarters. 

At the time the regiment was preparing to assault the 
rebel works, Companies B and G formed the fifth division of 
the regiment under command of Lieutenant Harrington of 
Company G. The Lieutenant's term of service had expired, 
and not feeling willing to undergo the risk of his life, he 
turned his command over to Sergeant Joseph Hallett of 
Company B, remarking, as he did so, "I am a citizen, and 
by G — d it is getting too close for me, and I shall go where 
there is more room!" He did not stand long on the order 
of his going either, but went at once. Some may think that 
Lieutenant Harrington showed the "white feather," but we 
that knew him could vouch to the contrary, and we felt that 
under the circumstances he was fully justified in taking the 
course he did. The company followed the fortunes of the 
regiment through to its final "muster out" at the close of 
the war, and ever maintained a high order of discipline, 
especially after Captain Heritage was called to the command. 
It was always ready and willing for duty, and in its perform- 
ance evinced those sterling qualities that gave it the name 
of the "OldEeliable." 



Roster of Company B. 

Captain Isaiah W. Wllmarth. Commissioned August 12th, 1861. 
Resigned May 26th, 1862. 

Captain David F. Seilards. Resigned on account of ill health 
August 31st, 1862. 

After leaving the service Captain SeUards moved into the State of 
Iowa, locating near Mt. Ayr, where he commenced the study of medicine, 
and graduated as a jihysician in 1867, and commenced practice. He pur- 
sued this business until 1877, when he died from disease of the lungs, 
leaving a widow and a large family of children. During the last years of 
his life he led a miserable existence — that of a chronic dyspeptic, com- 
plicated with tuberculosis of the lungs, and subsisted chiefly upon stim- 
ulants. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY B— OFFICERS. 409 

Captain George T. Heritage. Wounded in the shoulder and back 
October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Mustered out 
December 7th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

George T. Heritage was the only son of Thomas and Susan Heritage. 
He was born in Deddington, Oxfordshire, England, on the 26th day of 
Sejitember, 1834. His mother died when he was quite young, and his father 
emigrated to Canada and settled at New Hope. At the age of sixteen 
George went to Brantford, Ontario, to learn a trade, and was apprenticed 
to carriage-making for three years. In 1856 he went to Chicago, 111., but 
not realizing his expectations he removed to Bloomington, 111., where he 
was employed by John F. Walton until July, 1857, when he returned to 
Canada; but again feeling dissatisfied with his prospects he returned to the 
States, locating again at Bloomington, and was employed by the same 
man, working until the " Pike's Peak " excitement of 1859, when he deter- 
mined to go West and try his fortune. The venture was disa^jpointing, 
and his finances not permitting his return home, he secured the situation 
of " bull-whacker," and drove an ox-teain through to Salt Lake, Utah, — a 
very perilous undertaking at that time. From Salt Lake he returned to 
Bloomington and his trade, remaining until the breaking out of the war, 
when he enlisted in Company K, Captain Harvey's company, for the three 
months' service. This company went to Springfield, 111., and was placed 
in the Eighth Illinois Infantry, commanded by Richard J. Oglesby, after- 
ward Governor of the State. After serving his term he returned to Bloom- 
ington and took an active part in the organization of a company for the 
three years' service. This company was afterwards known as Company B, 
Thirty-Ninth Illinois Infantry (Yates Phalanx). He was elected Orderly 
Sergeant, which position he filled until May 26th, 1862, when he was pro- 
moted to First Lieutenant, and in August, 1862, he was elevated to the 
Captaincy. When the regiment came home on its veteran furlough, the- 
Captain obtained a passport from Secretary Stanton and went to Canada, 
where he was married to Miss Christina McAllister, February 23d, 1864. He 
returned with his bride to Bloomington, 111., remaining until the regiment 
was ordered to the front, when he rejoined it at Chicago. 

In August, 1864, he was wounded by a fragment of shell while on duty 
at the front, and was sent to hospital, where he received " leave of ab- 
sence " for twenty days. After his return he was called upon, by reason of 
seniority of rank, to take command of the regiment, which he retained 
until wounded at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va., October 13th, 1864. being 
shot through the left shoulder, the ball penetrating through to the other 
shoulder. He was carried back to Surgeon Clark, who cut out the ball and 
dressed the wounds, sending him to the general hospital at Fort Monroe, 
Va. He remained in hospital for nine weeks, when he returned to the 
regiment, but feeling unable to further endure the trials of a% active cam- 
paign he was "mustered out" of the service, returning to Bloomington, 
111., where, when able, he resumed work at his trade with his old employer. 



410 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

In May, 1888, he resigned his position as foreman in Walton's establish- 
ment and associated himself with Mr. Flinspach in business under the firm 
name of Flinspach & Heritage. The Captain has an interesting family of 
four children, all of whom are living. 

Captain John F. Alsup. Promoted and commissioned, but could 
not muster on it for the reason that there was not a sufficient num- 
ber of men in the company. Discharged September S-tth, 1865, as 
Sergeant. 

Captain Cinarles D. Piatt. Commissioned vice Alsup, discharged, 
but could not muster. Mustered out October 6th, 1865, as First 
Lieutenant. 

Nothing is known concerning Piatt's early history, or if living or not. 

First Lieutenant D. F. Sellards. Promoted Captain May 26th, 
1862, vice Wilmarth, resigned. (See Adjutant.) 

First Lieutenant George T. Heritage. Promoted Captain 
August 30th, 1862, vice Sellards, resigned. 

First Lieutenant Lesmore D. Kidder. Wounded May I6th, 

1864, at the battle of Drury's Blufif, Va. Mustered out February 9th, 

1865, at expiration of service. 

Lieutenant Kidder had command of the ambulance train at the 
battle of Drury's Bluff, and was wounded in the leg while busy getting the 
wounded off the field, and came very near being taken prisoner; but being 
mounted on a good horse he managed to elude his would-be captors, and 
escaped with a badly fractured and shattered limb. Nothing further is 
known concerning the Lieutenant since he left the service. 

First Lieutenant Charles D. Piatt. Promoted October 26th, 
1865, to Captain. 

First Lieutenant Al. C. Sweetser. Wounded June 2d, 1864, 
near Wier Bottom church, Va., through both legs, one of them 
being so badly shattered as to require amputation at the lower third 
of the thigh. Mustered out with the regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Lieutenant Sweetser was born in Oxford county, Maine, February 
23d, 1839. While in his infancy, his parents moved to the State of Missis- 
sippi, remaining there for some years, then returned to Maine and located 
at Portland. After five years they removed to Columbia county, Wisconsin, 
and made a trial at farming for the period of four years; then they 
removed to Bloomington, 111., which has since been the home of the Lieu- 
tenant. 

The excitement attending the discovery of gold at "Pike's Peak " in 
1858-59 had no sooner commenced than the subject of this sketch made 
one of a party to dare and brave the hardships of an overland trip to the 
"auriferous region." After reaching this "El Dorado" and spending 
some time ii#explorations, he began to realize, with thousands of others, 
that the fabulous wealth of the gold-bearing region had been slightly over- 
estimated, and he turned his steps homeward and began his search for 



ROSTER OF COMPANY B— OFFICERS. 411 

wealth in the more ordinary and safe method pursued by the generality of 
people. He turned his attention to the milling business at Bloomington, 
and was thus engaged when the " War of the Rebellion " broke out. Pos- 
sessing an adventurous and chivalric spirit he at once enrolled his name as 
a member of Captain Harvey's (K) Company, of the Eighth Illinois Volun- 
teer Infantry under Colonel "Dick" Oglesby, for the three months' service. 
After " muster-out " he returned to his home, and took an active part in 
recruiting a company for the three years' service. This company was 
assigned as Company B, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. 

The Lieutenant was a brave and enthusiastic soldier, and soon 
became popular and prominent in his company and regiment, and 
received in due course of time his well-merited promotions. His career of 
usefulness as a soldier ended, however, on the 2d day of June, 1864, when 
he received his wound. He was a great sufferer in hospital for many long 
months — his wound having contracted hospital gangrene, and his life came 
very near being finished at Chesapeake hospital. Fort Monroe, Va. 

On his return to Bloomington after the war he was elected to the 
office of city and town collector, and subsequently he received the appoint- 
ment of Deputy U. S. Collector of Internal Revenue, and held it until the 
administration of President Cleveland came in, when his services were no 
longer required. 

Lieutenant Sweetser has been very prominent and active in the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and in 1887 was elected Commander of the 
Department of Illinois, giving general and praiseworthy satisfaction. He 
is the treasurer of the Veteran Association of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois 
Volunteers, having held the position since its organization. He is still a 
resident of the city of Bloomington, 111. 

Second Lieutenant James S. Haldeman. Commissioned 
August 12th, 1861. Resigned May 26th, 1862. He is living at Kansas' 
City, Mo. 

Second Lieutenant James Gibson. Resigned September 2i8t, 
1862. He is living at Bloomington, 111. 

Second Lieutenant Al. C. Sweetser. Promoted First Lieu- 
tenant December 6th, 1865. 

First Sergeant George T. Heritage. Enlisted at Bloomington, 
111., August 12th, 1861. Promoted First Lieutenant May 26th, 1862. 

Sergeant Al. C. Sweetser. Enlisted at Bloomington. 111., August 
12th, 1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant October 11th, 1861. 

Sergeant James Gibson. Enlisted at Bloomington, 111., August 
12th, 1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant May 26th, 1862. 

Sergeant L. D.Kidder. Enlisted at Bloomington, 111., August 12th, 
1861. Promoted to First Lieutenant December 24th, 1862. 

Sergeant James M. Alsup. Enlisted at Le Roy, 111., August 12th, 
1861. Taken prisoner at Blackwater, Va., October 24th, 1862; paroled 
and exchanged. Deserted in January, 1863. 



412 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Sergeant John T. Turill. Enlisted from Decatur, 111. 

Sergeant Joseph Hallett. Veteran. Promoted to First Sergeant 
September 24th, 1865. Wounded in the thigh, May 16th, 1864, at 
Drury's Blufif, Va. Mustered out with the regiment December 6th, 
1865. 

Joseph Hallett was born in West Chennock, Somersetshire, England, 
May 9th, 1843. His parents came to America in 1852, and located in Ham- 
ilton county, Ohio, where they remained until 1857, when they removed to 
Bloomington, 111. In the spring of 1860 the subject of this sketch com- 
menced his apprentice work at marble-cutting, and was so engaged at the 
breaking out of the war. He was among the first to respond to the call for 
volunteers, and enlisted for the three months' service in Company K, 
Eighth Illinois Volunteers, and went with the company to Springfield, 
remaining there until the mustering-oflficer made his selection from the 
quota allowed each company. He being small of stature (five feet two 
inches), was ''cut off on the left," and advised to return home to his mother. 
He returned to his work again at Bloomington, but after the great disaster 
at the first Bull Run battle he again enlisted in Company B, Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois Volunteers, and held his own admirably until March, 1864, when he 
was detailed as bugler for Company B. This position he occupied until 
August, 1864, at a time when Captain Heritage was called to the command 
of the regiment; then he was promoted to the highest vacant position and 
was made Sergeant, and placed in command of the company, holding the 
command until after the assault on Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865, when 
he turned the command over to Lieutenant Piatt. He was mustered out 
with the regiment December 6th, 1865. He is now living at Bloomington, 
111., engaged in the practice of medicine. 

Corporal Archibald L. Carman. Enlisted from Bloomington, 
August 12th, 1861. Promoted Sergeant May 26th, 1862. Mustered out 
September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Corporal George W. Stephenson. Enlisted from Bloomington, 
August 12th, 1861. Promoted Sergeant January 1st, 1863. Reduced 
to the ranks August 7th, 1863. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at 
expiration of service. 

Corporal Henry Anderson. Enlisted at Bloomington, 111., Au- 
gust 12th, 1861. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration 
of service. 

Anderson was detailed to the position of wagon-master for a long 
period of time and did most excellent service. He is now living at Xenia, 
Ohio. 

Corporal Elliott B. Hill. Enlisted from Wapella, 111., August 12th, 
1861. Discharged August 5th, 1862, for physical disability. 

Corporal John T. Turill. Enlisted from Decatur August 12th, 
1861. Promoted Sergeant January 1st, 1863. Died July 14th, 1864, 
from disease. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY B—PRIVATES. 413 

Corporal Stephen Johnson. Enlisted from Bloomington, 111., 
August 12th, 1861. Discharged July 22d, 18G2, for disability. 

Corporal Harvey Bailey. Enlisted at Bloomington, August 12th, 
1861. Wounded in the leg May 20th, 186-t, at Wier Bottom church, 
Va. Died June 10th, 1864, in hospital, from wounds. 

Corporal Darwin M. Sparrow. Enlisted at Bloomington August 
12th, 1861. Reduced to the ranks, October 19th, 1861. Discharged 
February 25th, 1863, for disability. 



Peivates. 

Alsup, John F. Enlisted from LeRoy August 12th, 1861. Promoted 
Sergeant May 26th, 1862; to First Sergeant January 1st, 1863. 
Wounded August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va.; also May 22d, 

1864. in a skirmish; and again wounded April 2d, 186.5, at the assault 
on Fort Gregg, Va. Promoted Captain April 11th, 1865, but could 
not muster. Discharged, for disability from wounds, September 23d, 
1865. 

Alsup, Robert D. Enlisted from LeRoy February 26th. 1864. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Anderson, James S. Enlisted December 15th, 1864. Deserted 
August 2d, 1865. 

Anderson, James. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Discharged May 25th, 

1865, for disability. 

Adams, John Q. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Deserted September 
2d, 1865. 

Barton, William H. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Discharged December 12th, 1868, for disability. 

Beckwith, Walter J. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 
1861. Promoted to Corporal October 31st, 1863. Reduced to the 
ranks May 1st, 1865. Veteran. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Ball, John T. Enlisted from Bloomington August 15th, 1861. Dis- 
charged October 26th, 1863, for disability. 

Burke, Gerhard. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Mustered out Sei^tember 12th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Burke, George. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Killed September 11th, 1863, at Fort Gregg. S. C. 

Blevins, Sanford H. Enlisted from Bloomington August 25th, 1861. 
Discharged' September 25th, 1862, for disability. 
Blevins died some years ago. His widow lives at Sebree, Kentucky. 

Butler, Harrison. Enlisted from Bloomington August 30th, 1861. 
Severely wounded June 16th, 1864, in a skirmish with the enemy near 
Chester Station, Va. Left on the field and supposed to have been 
taken jirisoner. Veteran. 

Bender, Charles. Enlisted at Bloomington, 111., August 30th, 1861. 
Discharged June 16th, 1862, for disability. Died in 1888. 



414 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Blanchard, John. Enlisted at Bloomington, August 27th, 1861. 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Bowers, John. Enlisted at Bloomington, August 27th, 1861. Taken 
prisoner May 1st, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va.; paroled and exchanged. 
Wounded August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. Mustered 
out October 13th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Berry, Joseph Enlisted at Bloomington August 12th, 1861. Wounded 
August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. Leg amputated. Died 
September 4th, 1864, in hospital, from wounds. 

Bailey, Robert. Enlisted from Bloomington October 15th, 1861. De- 
serted February 28th, 1864. 

Bowen, Marion D. Enlisted from Chicago October 21st, 1864. 
Wounded April 2d, 1865, at assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Died April 
2d, 1865, from wounds. 

Beckwith, Lester S. Enlisted from Bloomington February 22d, 
1864. Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va.; also May 20th, 
at Wier Bottom church, Va. Was on furlough at muster-out of regi- 
ment. 

BierbOWer, Jonathan. Enlisted from Bloomington February 6th, 
1864. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. He is living 
at Arrowsmith, 111. 

Burns, Daniel. Enlisted February 25th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Brown, Lewis. Enlisted February 25th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Clark, John W. A. Enlisted from Bloomington, August 12th, 1861. 
Discharged July 25th, 1862, for disability. Is living at Bloomington, 
111. 

CrOSSley, John. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Discharged October 26th, 1863, for disability. 

Covey, Edmund. Enlisted from LeRoy August 12th, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded in the arm June 16th, 1864, at Chester Station, Va.; also 
October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Mustered out 
with regiment. Is living at Welch, Mo. 

Covey, James R. Enlisted from LeRoy September 19th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal October 31st, 1863; to Sergeant August 
27th, 1864. Wounded at Fort Wagner, S. C, September 14th, 1863. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at LeRoy, 111. 

Cook, Levi. Enlisted from Jacksonville August 28th, 1861. Taken 
prisoner May 1st, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va.; paroled June 24th, 1862. 
Died at Washington, D. C, October 27th, 1862. 

Cullar, Benjamin. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Taken prisoner May 1st, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va.; paroled and ex- 
changed. Discharged June 17th, 1862. 

Call, Carlton. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. Dis- 
charged July 4th, 1863, for disability. 

Carl, Oliver C. Enlisted August 12th. 1861. Deserted January 26th, 
1862. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY B— PRIVATES. 415 

Clark, Henry. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Taken prisoner May 1st, 1862, at Strasbur'gh, Va.; paroled and 
exchanged September 14th, 1862. Mustered out with regiment. 

Cranston, Joseph H. Enlisted from Chicago October 19th, 1861. 
Discharged December 30th, 1862, for disability. Is living at the 
National Soldiers' Home, Dayton, Ohio. 

Cook, Methusaleh. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. 
Discharged August 12th, 1862, for disability. 

Crandall, James. Enlisted from Bloomington, November 20th, 1862. 
Mustered out November 20th, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Conklin, Lafayette. Enlisted February 6th, 1864. Died August 
i)th, 1865, at City Point, Va. 

Cavett, John A. Enlisted from Bloomington August 6th, 1864. 
Mustered out July 6th, 1865, under Order War Department. 

Cain, Christopher D. Enlisted from Bloomington February 24th, 
1864. Wounded August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. Died 
September 10th, 1865. 

Campbell, William E. Enlisted from Bloomington February 22d, 
18<;4. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Cole, William. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Dake, John W. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Killed August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Davis, Barnet H. Enlisted from LeRoy August 17th, 1861. Taken 
prisoner May 1st, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va.; paroled and exchanged. 
Discharged April 11th, 1863. 

Downey, John. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. Is living at 
Lockport, 111. ' 

Dai ley, John. Enlisted from Bloomington August 23d, 1861. Dis-, 
charged December 1st, 1862, for disability. 

Doud, LeRoy. Enlisted from Bloomington September 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted First Lieutenant and Adjutant August 19th, 
1864. (See Field and Staff.) 

Dillon, Orange W. Enlisted from Bloomington October 28th, 1861. 
Discharged December 1st, 1862, for disability. 

Duff, Robert. Enlisted March 2d, 1864. Wounded June 16th, 1864. 
and died of wounds. 

Dillon, Asbury P. Enlisted from Bloomington October 28th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded May 20th, 1864, at Wier Bottom church, Va. 
Mustered out with regiment. 

Dyer, Henry E. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 
Egidy, Frederick. Enlisted from Bloomington October 23d, 1861. 

Discharged July 22d, 1862, for disability. 

Elliott, John. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 



416 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Fordyce, John K. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. 
Wounded September 12th, 1863, at Fort Wagner, S. C. Leg ampu- 
tated. Discharged June 20th, 1864, for disability from wounds. 

Fagot, Jacob. Enlisted from Peoria September 21st, 1861. Trans- 
ferred to the regular service November 28th, 1862. 

Fagot, Matthias. Enlisted from Peoria, September 21st, 1861. Taken 
prisoner May 1st, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va.; paroled and exchanged. 
Discharged June 18th, 1862, for disability. 

Foot, Jerome. Enlisted from Concord February 24th, 1864. Pro- 
moted Corporal September 14th, 1865. Mustered out with regiment. 

Fisher, Lewis. Enlisted from Enfield February 11th, 1864. Wounded 
in the face August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Discharged Febru- 
ary 28th, 1865, for disability from wounds. 

Frankberger, Lee J. Enlisted from Bloomington February 20th, 
1864. Promoted Corporal. Mustered out with regiment. 

Franks, Jacob C Enlisted from Bloomington February 23d, 1864. 
Drowned May 20th, 1864, while bathing in the James river. 

Fallon, Michael. Enlisted from Chicago, October 3d, 1864. Mus- 
tered out October 9th, 1865. 

Gibbs, Elias. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal, August 28th, 1864. Wounded August 16th, 1864, 
and October 7th, 1864. Promoted Sergeant September 24th, 1865. 
Mustered out with regiment. Is living at Climax, Mo. 

Groves, Thomas. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal October 30th, 1865. Mustered out with 
regiment. 

Graves, James H. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Discharged December 20th, 1862, for disability. 

Gillen, James R. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Promoted Corporal October I'Jth, 1861. Dropped from the roll at 
expiration of service. 

Gordon, Henry. Enlisted from Bloomington September 5th, 1861. 
Discharged September 14th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Green, Martin. Enlisted from Bloomington March 1st, 1864. De- 
serted May 15th, 1864. 

Goldsmith, Nicholas. Enlisted from Bloomington February 29th, 
1864. Wounded in the face May 20th, 1864, at Wler Bottom church, 
Va. Discharged October 6th, 1864, for disability. 

Gibbs, Jeremiah. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Killed August Kith, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Gough, William. Enlisted from Zion April 12th, 1865. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 

Hartry, Edmund. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal January 1st, 1863. Wounded and taken 
prisoner May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. Died in 
prison at Andersonville, Ga., June 24th, 1864. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY B— PRIVATES. 417 

Hummel I, Henry. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal October 1st. 1864. Reduced to ranks 
April 30th, 1865. Wounded in the hand August 14th, 1864, near Peters- 
burg, Va. Promoted Corporal September 24th, 1865. 

Hallett, Joseph. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Sergeant August 27th, 1864; to First Sergeant 
September 24th, 1865. (See Sergeant.) 

Hallett, William D. Enlisted from Bloomington August I2th. 1861. 
Wounded in the thigh May 20th. 1864, at battle of Wier Bottom 
church, Va. Mustered out October 13th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Is living at Bloomington, 111. 

Hoisington, Henry. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Died December 4th, 1861, from disease. 

Harvey, Levi. Enlisted from Pontiac August 12th, 1861. Mustered 

out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Harvey is living at Bloomington, 111., his occupation being that of a 
locomotive engineer. 

Hayes, James H. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. 
Veteran. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. Was 
injured in the back by the falling timbers of a bomb-proof in front 
of Fort Wagner. S. C, in 1863. Is living at Saybrook. 111. 

Haspel, Frederick. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. 
IDischarged December 22d, 1864, for disability. 

Harty, James. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. 
Wounded August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Mustered out October 
19th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Hotchkiss, Charles B. Enlisted from Bloomington August 26th, 
1861. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Is living at Covel, 111. 

Hutchinson, William. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 
1861. Veteran. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Hafer, John R. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal September 1st, 1864. Killed October 13th, 
1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. 

Henner, John. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. Dis- 
charged August 27th, 1863, for disability. 

Howard, Robert. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Deserted October 28th. 1861. 

Haines, C. L. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1862. Mus- 
tered out June 28th, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Hammock, Peter. Enlisted from Bloomington February 13th, 1864. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Hartry, Alfred. Enlisted from Bloomington February 20th, 1864. 
Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluflf, Va. Mustered out 
July 7th. 1865, as prisoner of war. 

Hafer, John R. Enlisted from Bloomington February 26th, 1864. 
Wounded in the face October 13th. 1864. at Darbytown Cross-Roads. 
Discharged December 25th, 1862, for disability. 
27 



418 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Hilman, Henry B. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Henschod, Theodore. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Discharged 
July 19th. 1865, for disability. 

Hammond, Morris. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Absent sick at mus- 
ter-out of regiment. 

Johnson, James M. Enlisted from Bloomington September 19th, 
1861. Veteran. Missing in action May 16th, 1864; supposed pris- 
oner. Promoted Corporal May 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. Is living at LeRoy, 111. 

Johnson, Johra. Enlisted from Bloomington August 22d, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 28th, 1864, for disability. 

Johnson, James. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. 
Veteran. Died October 26th, 1864. 

Johnson, Isaac R. Enlisted from Bloomington September 19th, 
1861. Discharged August 12th, 1862, for disability. Is living at Sol- 
dier City, Kansas. 

Johnson, Alfred. Enlisted from Empire June 25th, 1862. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 

Johnson, Franklin. Enlisted from LeRoy June 5th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Johnson, John P. Enlisted April 8th, 1865. Deserted June 4th, 
1865. 

Kark, Frederick. Enlisted from Bloomington August 5th, 1861. 
Discharged March 3d, 1863, for disability. 

Kennedy, Dennis. Enlisted from Chicago October 25th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal January 1st, 1863. Killed August 14th, 
1864, in skirmish at Deep Run, Va. 

Kelly, John A. Enlisted from Chicago February 6th, 1864. Trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Lane, William J. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal May 1st, 1865. Mustered out with 
regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Lane is living at Hillsboro, Texas, where he has been for the last 
seventeen years. 

LeibO, Arthur B. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in the foot May 20th, 1864, at battle of Wier 
Bottom church, Va. Promoted Corporal January 1st, 1864, in the 
"color-guard." 

Lewis, Hermann F. Enlisted from Bloomington September 25th, 
18(;i. Discharged February 10th, 1863, for disability. 

Lemon, George W. Enlisted from Bloomington February 24th, 
1864. Wounded May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 

Lafferty, William S. Enlisted from Bloomington February 24th, 
18()4. On furlough at muster-out of regiment. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY B— PRIVATES. 419 

Lynch, John. Enlisted March 2d, 1865. Died March 30th, 1865, at 
Point of Rocks hospital. 

Merrif ield, Samuel. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 

MarrigOld, Charles L. Enlisted from Chicago August 3d, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal July 1st, 1865. Reduced November, 
1865. Mustered out with regiment, December 6th, 1865. 

Miller, Eliott S. Enlisted from Chicago August 12th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal September 15th, 1864. Wounded in the arm 
May 30th, 1864. Promoted Sergeant September 14th, 1865. Mus- 
tered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Miller is living at Jamestown, Dakota, where he is pursuing the occu- 
pation of a contractor and builder. He holds the position of Lieutenant- 
Colonel in the militia of that Territory, and has filled prominent positions 
in the G. A. R. Post at Jamestown. 

IVI iller, Anthony. Enlisted from Bloomington September 18th, 1861. 
Mustered out October 18th, 1864, at expiration of service. Is living 
at Bloomington, 111. 

Martin, John. Enlisted from Bloomington August 15th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal June 1st, 1863; to Sergeant September 1st, 1863. 
Killed August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Murray, Thomas. Enlisted from Bloomington August 20th, 1861. 
Deserted October 28th, 1861. 

McCann, James. Enlisted April lOth, 1865. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 

Neal, John A. Enlisted from Bloomington September 12th, 1861. 
Mustered out June 11th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

O'Connell, John. Enlisted from Bloomington September 27th, 1861. 
Discharged MarCh 15th, 1862. for disability. Is living at Blooming- 
ton, 111. 

Owen, Leonard J. Enlisted from Bloomington September 12th, 1861. 
Discharged July 11th, 1862. 

O'Conner, Patrick. Enlisted from Bloomington October 28th, 1862. 
Mustered out October 30th, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Piatt, Charles D. Enlisted from Bloomington September 12th, 1861. 

Veteran. Promoted Sergeant September 15th, 1864. Wounded in 

the arm August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. Promoted to 

First Lieutenant May 9th, 1865. 
Paul, Alexander. Enlisted from Bloomington September 26th, 1861. 

Veteran. Promoted Corporal August 27th, 1864. Wounded in the 

foot October 13th, 1864, at Darby town Cross-Roads. Va.; also 

wounded in the knee May 20th, 1864, at battle of Wier Bottom 

church, Va. Died at Allerton, Iowa, in 1887. 
Rounds, John J. Enlisted from Bloomington, September 12th. 1861. 

Transferred to the regular service November 28th, 1862. Died in 

1885. 
Redicks, Asa. Enlisted from Zion April 12th, 1865. Mustered out 

December 6th, 1865. 



420 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Sellman, S. H. M. Enlisted from Bloomington September 12th, 
1861. Discharged October 26th, 1863, for disability. Is living at 
Cecil, Kansas. 

Stout, John. Enlisted from Bloomington September 12th, 1861. 
Discharged March 23d, 1863, for disability. 

Shea, James. Enlisted from Bloomington September 20th, 1861. 
Wounded August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. Mustered 
out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Steinkulan, Peter. Enlisted March 11th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

SiferS, Theodore. Enlisted from Jefferson county April 5th, 1865. 
In prison by sentence of general court-martial at muster-out of regi- 
ment. 

Tanner, Andrew J. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Thompson, Robert. Enlisted April 5th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Vermillion, Charles W. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 
1861. Promoted Corporal August 7th, 1863; to Sergeant in 1863. 
Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered out 
July 15th, 1864, as prisoner of war. 

Van Dusen, John. Enlisted from Chicago September 20th, 1861. 
Died October 4th, 1862, at Suffolk, Va., from disease. 

Wooding, Alfred. Enlisted from Decatur August 12th, 1861. 
Wounded and taken prisoner June 16th, 1864, near Chester Station, 
Va. 

Worely, William F. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Deserted June 28th, 1863. 

Wilson, William F. Enlisted from Bloomington September 30th, 
1861. Discharged February 5th, 1863, for disability. Is living at 
Bloomington, 111. 

WolCOtt, William H. Enlisted from Bloomington September 5th, 
1861. Promoted Corporal January 1st, 1863. Mustered out Septem- 
ber 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Williams, John W. Enlisted from Bloomington August 12th, 1861. 
Promoted Corporal. Wounded May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's 
Bluff, Va. Mustered out October 18th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Is living at Macon, 111. 

WolcOtt, Edwin N. Enlisted February 9th, 1864. Wounded May 
20th, 1864. at Wier Bottom church. Va. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. Is living at Bloomington, 111. 

Wheeler, John. Enlisted February 28th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865, with regiment. 



SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES, ETC. 421 



Summary of Casualties, Etc. 

Killed in battle 6 

Died of wounds 5 

Died of disease 6 

Died in prison 1 

Drowned 1 

Wounded 34 

Lost limbs 3 

Taken prisoner 13 

Deserted 10 

Transferred 3 

Discharged for disability 33 

Mustered out at expiration of service 34 

Re-enlisted . . .-. 28 

Number originally enlisted 94 

Recruits afl 

Mustered out with regiment 45 

Known to be living 34 



CHAPTEE XXV. 



How Company C was Recruited — Roster and Biography - — Summary of 
Casualties. 



History of Company C. 

rnmS company was organized and principally enlisted at 
Pontiac, Livingston county, 111., in the montli of July, 
1861, through the efforts of John Gray, Simon S. Brucker 
and others. It numbered sixty-four men when it was offered 
to the Thirty -Ninth Eegiment, and was the second company 
to be quartered in the Wigwam after Company A, although 
there were a few men, the nucleus of Company D, being 
recruited by S. S. Linton there at the time. At the date of 
its muster into the United States service it numbered nine- 
ty-four men, — eighty-three of them from the vicinity of 
Pontiac, and eleven recruited in Chicago. 

The company was made up of first-class material, having 
in its ranks several men who had seen service in the British 
army ; but it had not been fortunate in the selection of its 
ofl&cers, and there was more or less disaffection, and at times 
even mutinous conduct among its members up to the time 
that Lieutenant Jame^ W. Wightman was promoted to the 
captaincy. May 26th, 1862, when it became almost perfect in 
discipline, and proved itself one of the most efficient com- 
panies of the regiment. 

It was one of the companies stationed at Alpine Station, 
Va., in the early part of January, 1862, where they met a 
portion of the Confederate force under Jackson and Loring, 
and where they met their first baptism of fire and water, 
being compelled to make a hasty retreat and struggle through 

422 





They sleep their last sleep, 
They have fought their last battle; 
No sound can awake them 
To glory again." 






2. Lieut. C. J. WILDER, Co. H. 
4. Capt. C. WILLIAMS, Co. H. 



:; r.isc.:rro:cri: r;^^^~- 



ROSTER OF COMPANY C— OFFICERS. 423 

the icy water of the Potomac river across to Hancock, Md., 
the other companies being A, B and F. 

On the 21st day of March, 1862, this company, under 
command of Captain Gray, was sent out with one company 
of the Thirteenth Indiana in command of Lieutenant Hurd, 
on picket duty about two miles from Winchester, Va., the 
line extending from the Strasburgh to the Front Royal turn- 
pike. They had been out nearly twenty-four hours when 
they became aware of the approach, in force, of the enemy, 
which proved to be General Jackson's army. Word was 
immediately sent to General Shields. After several hours' 
skirmishing with Ashby's cavalry, in which two men of the 
company were taken prisoners,-^Corporal Albert Fellows 
and private W^illiam Hadley, — the company fell back until 
it met the advance of Shields' division, when it again ad- 
vanced, driving the cavalry back to Kernstown, where they 
were held in check until the following morning, the 23d of 
March, which ushered in the battle of Winchester. 

The company did excellent service wherever engaged, 
and participated in all the battles in which the regiment 
took part. 



EosTER OF Company C. 

Captain John Gray. Commissioned August 12th, 1861. Resigned 
May 2t5th, 1862, by reason of failing health. 

John Gray was born in the State of New York, on a farm, and lived 
there until he reached the age of twenty years; then moved to Michigan, 
where he married, and after a few years removed to Illinois. After resign- 
ing his Captaincy in the volunteer service of the army he returned to 
Michigan, and after a few years started with his family for Minnesota, 
where he is now living, near Frazee City, on a stock farm which is mainly 
conducted by his sons. He was elected and served one term in the Minne- 
sota legislature. 

Captain James W. Wightman. Promoted from First Lieuten- 
ant May 2()th, 1862. Wounded in head and lungs at Drury's Bluff, 
Va., May 16th, 1864. Died in field hospital May 17th. 

But little is known of Captain Wightman's history prior to his 
enlistment. He was born in England, and came to this country in his 



424 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

youth. He enlisted and was made Fifth Sergeant August 12th, 1861, and 
was promoted to Commissary Sergeant on the non-commissioned staff 
November 28th, 1861; from this position was promoted to a First Lieuten- 
ancy, being deservedly popular with the members of his company. He 
was a brave and fearless man, almost to rashness; a strict, yet just com- 
mander; and it was by reason of his firm discipline and steady resolve that 
his company was brought from a chaos of confusion and disorder up to a 
pre-eminent condition of obedience and soldierly conduct that won for it 
confidence and position. He was a true man in both his friendship and 
his enmity. On the 7th of September, 1863, when it was first discovered 
that Fort Wagner, Morris Island, S. C, was being evacuated, and when it 
was expected, each moment, that the fort would be blown to atoms, he vol- 
unteered, with others, and entered the fort and cut the burning fuse leading 
to the magazine, thus preventing what otherwise would have been a serious 
disaster attended with great destruction to life, and winning for himself 
laurels that will never fade in the remembrance of his comrades. 

On the 16th day of May, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va., after the regi- 
ment had successfully repulsed the third assault from the third line of the 
enemy upon their position, he, with others, in their feeling of exultation, 
leaped upon the works, waving their swords and cheering, and it was while 
thus engaged that he received his wounds from a volley fired by an unob- 
served party which had succeeded in flanking them. The last feeling that he 
probably was ever conscious of in this life was one of pride and exultation 
at the success of his comrades, for he remained insensible from the 
moment he was struck until death released him, the next morning. 

His company lost a brave commander, counselor and companion, and 
the regiment a noble and heroic officer and friend, in his death. 

Captain James Hannum. Promoted from First Lieutenant July 
2d, 1864, vice Wightman, died. Mustered out December 6th, 1865, 
with the regiment. 

The Captain was a popular and efficient officer. When last heard 
from he was suffering with rheumatism— a most unpleasant reminder of 
Jackson's great raid on Alpine Station, Va., when he with others was com- 
pelled to wade the Potomac river. He is living at Garnett, Kansas, 
engaged in farming. 

First Lieutenant Wallace Lord. Commissioned August 12th, 
1861. Resigned January 24th, 1862, by reason of poor health. 

Lord now resides at Pontiac, 111., engaged in the business of con- 
tractor and builder. No response was given to a request for a biograph- 
ical sketch; hence the brevity of this notice. 

First Lieutenant James W. Wightman. Promoted Captain 

May 26th, 1862. vice John Gray, resigned. 

First Lieutenant James Hannum. Promoted Captain July 
2d, 1864, vice Wightman. died. 








'^ !^Ei 







1' few,' t ^ ^''''^''' ^°- ""• ^- ^'- ""-■ ^- SWEETSER, Co. B. 3. Com. Serg'T A. B. JOHNSON. 

4. LEVI HARVEY, Co. B. 5. Com. Serg't C. F. FRISBIE. 6. CoRPa E. O. CHAPMAN, Co. 0. 

7. Serg t H. G. smith, Co. A. 8. Lieut. S. S. BRUCKER, Co. C. 9. EDWARD D. CONLEY, Band. 



FOSTER OF COMPANY C— OFFICERS. 425 

First Lieutenant Simon S. Brucker. Resigned May imh, 

1864. . ^ 

Lieutenant Brucker was born at Alzey, Germany, in 1838; received 
his education at public school, and graduated at the age of fourteen m 
college at same city. In May, 1852, he emigrated to the United States with 
a brother two years older than himself, remaining one year in the State of 
New Jersey, until enabled to master the English language, after which he 
started for Ohio, remaining there but a few months, and again started west- 
ward, halting at Pontiac, 111., then a small village. Embarked in the mer- 
cantile business, remaining at the same place until the breaking out of the 
war Enlisted in April, 1861, in the Twentieth Illinois Regiment, for thirty 
days' service, returning to Pontiac and re-enlisting on August 12th, 1861, in 
Company C, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteer Regiment, for three years, 
having been actively engaged in organizing and recruiting that company. 
Served until May, 1864, when he tendered his resignation as First Lieutenant 
of said company. He again returned to Pontiac and entered into a general 
merchandising business, remaining at same place until January, 1877, when 
he accepted a position as general salesman with the old and well-known 
house of A. T. Stewart & Co.; and upon the retiring of said house from 
business in Chicago, engaged his services with their successors, Messrs. 
James H. Walker & Co., with whom he is up to this date, holding a position 
of trust and honor. He resides at 2.59 Hermitage avenue, Chicago. 

First Lieutenant Daniel Guisinger. Promoted First Lieuten- 
ant March aist, 186,5, vice Hannum, promoted. Resigned his commis- 
sion July 12th, 1865. 

Pirc^t Lieutenant Henry H. DeLong. Wounded June I7th, 
1864! n^ai\4r Bottom church, Ya. Mustered out December 6th, 

1865. ' ... 

Is living at Canton, Dakota, engaged in farming and is a prominent 

citizen, having held several elective offices. 

Qor-ond I iputenant Simon S. Brucker. Commissioned Au- 

g"? l.'lltlSL PromoTed First Lieutenant May 26th, 1862, vice 

Wightman. promoted. 

Second Lieutenant James Henderson. Commissioned May 

26th, 1862, vice Brucker, promoted. Resigned June 28th, 1863. 

First Sergeant James Henderson. Enlisted from Rook's 

Creek August 12th, 1861. 

Sergeant William Johnson. Enlisted from Rook^s Creek Au- 
gust 12th. 1861. Veteran. Reduced to the ranks May 9th, 1862. I>, 
fiving, but address not known. 

Sergeant James Hannum. Enlisted from Cayuga August 12th, 
1861. Promoted First Lieutenant, vice Brucker. resigned. 

Sergeant Charles EUinWOOd. Enlisted from Esmond August 
12th, 1861. Discharged July 4th, 1863, for disability. 

o ^^1,+ lor^oc \A/ \A/ie-htman. Enlisted from Odell August 

^^'^im.%A''l>fol.^.a C^S^f sergeant November 28th, 1861. 



426 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Sergeant Daniel Guisinger. Enlisted from Rook's Creek Au- 
gust 12th. 1861. 

Corporal Martin Howder. Enlisted from Rook's Creek, August 
12th, 1861. Promoted Sergeant May 12th, 1862. Wounded and taken 
prisoner May 16th, 1864. Died at Florence, S. C, October 11th, 1864.) 

Corporal A. C. Guernsey. Enlisted from Esmond August 12th, 
1861. Promoted Sergeant September 24th, 1861. Discharged May 
4th, 1862, for disability. 

Corporal William R. Worth. Enlisted from Esmond August 
12th, 1861. Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's 
Bluff, Va.; paroled, and discharged August 15th, 1865. 
After his capture Worth was taken to Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., 

and sent from there to Andersonville, Georgia, where he remained one 

year, suffering untold miseries which ruined his health completely. He is 

now living at Brookfleld, Linn county, Missouri. 

Corporal Charles Streeter. Enlisted from Odell August 12th, 
1861. Discharged June 5th, 1862, for physical disability. Is living.; 
address not known. 

Corporal Edward O. Chapman. Enlisted from Cayuga, August 
12th, 1861. Promoted Sergeant February 10th, 1863. Mustered out 
September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Sergeant Chapman was one of the party of eight soldiers that cap- 
tured a blockade-runner in Broad river, near Bull's Island, S. C, in 1863, 
and took it to Hilton Head and delivered it to General Gilmore, for which 
service they received special mention in Orders. He was wounded at 
Kingsland Creek, Va., in a skirmish with the enemy; also at Wier Bottom 
church; and again at Deep Bottom, Va. — the last of which, only, required 
surgical attention. In 1864 he was detached for duty with the Commissary 
of Subsistence at City Point, Va. He says that during the famous retreat 
from Alpine Station, Va., the old ferry-boat, with a portion of Company C 
on board, got " stuck " in the middle of the river; and that when Captain 
Gray gave his famous command " Follow me! " he followed him suflSciently 
far to find the water decidedly cold, which had the effect of cooling his 
haste, and he got aboard again and assisted in getting the old scow to 
move. Sergeant Chapman resides at Cayuga, 111., holding the position of 
Station Agent of the Chicago and Alton railroad. 

Corporal Walter A. Gray. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 

28th, 1861. Promoted Sergeant May 10th, 1862. Deserted February 

1st, 1863. 
Corporal Albert A. Fellows. Enlisted from Pontiac August 1st, 

1861. Taken prisoner March 22d, 1862, near Winchester, Va.; paroled 

and discharged in May, 1862. 

Corporal Daniel Guisinger. Enlisted August I2th, 1861. 

Musician Edward Griffith. Enlisted from Chicago October 8th, 
1861. Mustered out October 8th, 1864, at exjiiration of service. 
After the war Griffith located in Chicago and engaged in the saloon 

business. Is supposed to be living there now. 



roster of company c— privates. 427 

Privates, 

Anderson, K. Enlisted August 7th, 1864. Died September 27th 1865. 

Armstrong, William. Enlisted from Chicago February 26th, 1864. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Akehurst, Henry C. Enlisted from Pontiac August 12th, 1861. 
Discharged October 11th, 1863, for disability. Is living. 

Allen, Andrew C. Enlisted from Esmond August 12th, 1861. Taken 
prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Sent to prison in 
South Carolina. Died September 25th, 1864. 

Akehurst, James S. Enlisted from Pontiac August 12th, 1861. 
Wounded May 20th, 1864, near ^Yier Bottom church, Va.; arm ampu- 
tated. Died in hospital May 28th, 1864. 

A rgu bright, Caleb A. Enlisted from Livingston county, Febru- 
ary 10th, 1864. Promoted Corporal July 1st, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. Lives at Streator, 111. 

Atwater, H. J. Enlisted from Esmond September 5th, 1861. Wounded 
August 20th, 1863, near Fort Wagner, S. C. Mustered T)ut September 
16th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Baer, Joseph. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August .12th, 1861. 
Wounded April 2d, 1865, in the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Veteran. 
Promoted May 1st, 1865. 

Bell, John. Enlisted August 29th, 1864. Mustered out December 6th, 
1861. 

Beadles, R. Enlisted April 6th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 

1865. 
Burnham, Foreman. Enlisted from Pontiac August 12th, 1865. 

Discharged June^6th, 1862, for disability. 

Brown, O. P. Enlisted from Esmond August 25th, 1861. Discharged 
October 28th, 1861, for disability. 

Baker, Thornton. Enlisted from Sandwich, February 2d, 1864. Dis- 
charged March 28th, 1865, for disability. 

Cooper, William S. Enlisted from Fairbury August 28th, 1861. 
Taken prisoner May 26th, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va.; paroled and dis- 
charged December 12th, 1863. Is living in Colorado. 

Converse, Melvin. Enlisted from Ocoya September 6th, 1861. Mus- 
tered out December 27th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Converse, Charles. Enlisted from Ocoya August 21st, 1861. 
Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered out Sep- 
tember 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Christian, Ackley. Enlisted March 31st, 1865. Mastered out Decem- 
ber 6th. 1865. 

Conrad, Arthur. Enlisted March 22d, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Carroll, Harrison. Enlisted from Chicago February 22d, 1864. ^ 

Davidson, James. Enlisted from Chicago August 20th, 1861. Dis- 
charged September 27th, 1862, for disability. 



428 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

DeLong, Henry H. Enlisted from Esmond August 28th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal May 29th. 1863. Promoted Sergeant 
October 1st, 1864; to First Sergeant March 31st, 1865; to First Lieu- 
tenant October, 1865. 

Drake, Jasper N. Enlisted from Pairbury August 20th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 18th, 1862, for disability. Resides at Wood River, 
Nebraska. 

DePuy, Hulburt. Enlisted from Chicago February 17th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Davis, John W. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Dunn, Adam. Enlisted February 1st, 1865. Wounded in leg April 2d, 
1865, at assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Douglas, Edward. Enlisted February 16th, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Dean, Joseph. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Discharged August 9th, 
1865, for disability. 

Eggenberger, Gallas. Enlisted from Odell August 12th, 1861. 
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Eaton, LasSOn W. Enlisted from Long Point February 14th, 1864. 
Promoted Corporal September 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Fenlison, William H. Veteran. Enlisted from St. Louis, Mo., Sep- 
tember 19th, 1861. Promoted Corporal. Reduced to ranks June 7th. 

1863. Wounded October 13th, 1864. Mustered out December 6th, 186.5. 

Fellows, Albert. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 12th, 1861. 
Promoted Corporal December 24th, 1861. Taken prisoner May 16th, 

1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered out February 19th, 1865, at 
expiration of service. 

Gott, Henry. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 28th, 1861. Veteran. 
Taken prisoner June 2d, 1864, at Hatcher's Run, Va. Died in 
Andersonville prison, Georgia, June 15th, 1865. 

Girard, Hermann. Enlisted from Long Point, August 28th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Promoted 
Corporal November 1st, 1864. • Also wounded October 9th. 1863, at 
Fort Wagner, S. C; also April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, 
Va. Promoted Sergeant September 1st, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. Resides at Long Point, 111. 

Gorbett, Quincy A. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 12th, 1861. 
Discharged August 6th, 1862, for disability. Lives at Pontiac, 111. 

Gorbett Henry A. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Resides at La Salle, 111. Mustered out with regiment. 

Gam be I, Harvey. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Gardner, Oscar. Enlisted from Efford's Point October 24th, 1861. 
Wounded in arm May 2()th, 1864, at Wier Bottom church, Va. Mus- 
tered out October 14th, 1864, at expiration of service. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY C— PRIVATES. 429 

Greenbaum, Samuel. Enlisted from Chicago January 4th, 1864, 
and detailed to regimental band. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

After the war Greenbaum was happily married to a lady he formed 
acquaintance with at Richmond, Va. He is partially deaf, the result of 
concussion from being too near an exploding cannon. Resides at Fair- 
bury, 111., engaged in merchandising. 

Gorbett, George W. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August, 1861. 
Died April 17th, 1864, in general hospital at Washington, D. C. 

Gopp, Seneca. Enlisted August 12th, 1861. Deserted December 6th, 
1861. 

Graham, William. Enlisted February 15th, 186.5. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 186.5. 

Gorton, Silas. Enlisted March 22d, 186,5. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Hamilton, Lester. Enlisted from Esmond October 28th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal. Killed May 20th, 1864, at battle of Wier 
Bottom church, Va. 

Haney, James. Enlisted from Nebraska August 28th, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded October 13th, 1864, at battle of Darbytown Cross-Roads, 
Va. Lives at Keokuk, Iowa. 

Haney, Mathews. Enlisted from Nebraska August 12th, 1861. Dis- 
charged August 21st, 1862, for disability. 

Headley, William. Enlisted from Chicago August 28th, 1861. 
Taken prisoner March 23d, 1862, at Winchester, Va., and discharged 
the service. 

Hughes, Edward. Enlisted from Pontiac August 12th, 1861, and 
discharged for disability. 

Howden, Ephraim. Enlisted from Rook's Creek September 6th, 
1861. Veteran. Wounded May 20th at battle of Wier Bottom church, 
Va. Promoted Corporal July 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. Resides at Pontiac, 111. 

Haney, John. Enlisted from Chicago March 4th, 1864. Wounded 
May 20th at Wier Bottom church, Va. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 

Hillsted, Errick. Enlisted from Chicago September 24th, 1864. 
Mjistered out June 20th, 1865, by order War Department. 

James, Henry T. Enlisted from Chicago August 12th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 30th, 1862, for disability. Re-enlisted February 2!tth, 
1864, and detailed to the regimental band. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. Resides at Atlantic City, Iowa. 

Johnson, Stephen. Enlisted from Ocoya September litth, 1861. 
Promoted Corporal May 10th, 1862. Killed in battle May 20th, 1864, 
at Wier Bottom church, Va. 

Johnson, John H. Enlisted August 12th, 1861. Promoted Corporal, 
and then Sergeant July 2d, 1864. Killed October 13th, 1864. at battle 
of Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Had previously been wounded June 
2d, 1864, in the hip, at Chester Station, Va. 



430 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Jenkins, Isaac R. Enlisted from Cayuga August 19th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded severely in the breast. May 20th, 186-4, at battle of 
Wier Bottom church. Va. Promoted Corporal January 1st, 1865; to 
Sergeant May 1st, 1865. 

Jenkins resides at St. Paul, Minn., and is connected with the city gov- 
ernment as Electrician. 

Johnson, Samuel B. Enlisted from Pontiac September 20th, 1863. 
Died at Hatcher's Run, Ya., June 30th, 1864, from disease. 

Jenkins, William H. Enlisted from Esmond December 30th, 1863. 
Wounded in the neck and shoulder May 15th, 1864, at Drury's BluflP, 
Va., and wounded in the thigh, October 13th, 1864, at the battle of 
Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va., from the effects of which he suffered 
the amputation of the limb at the Soldiers' Home, Chicago, in 1866. 

Since Jenkins left the service he has resided at Pontiac, 111., holding 
various official positions. At present he fills the position of Deputy Cir- 
cuit Court Clerk. He was President of the Thirty-Ninth Veteran Associa- 
tion for 1888. 

Kallsthoff, Henry. Enlisted from Chicago September 6th, 1861. 
Veteran. Taken prisoner May 23d, 1862, near Warrenton Junction, 
Va.; was paroled and exchanged, and again captured May 30th, 1862, 
near Front Royal, Va. He is living somewhere in Indiana. 

Kennedy, William. Enlisted from New Michigan August 12th, 1861. 
Was discharged the service for disability. 

Kinsie, Franklin. Enlisted August 20th, 1861. Deserted December 
3d, 1864. 

Kendall, John. Enlisted from Ocoya August 28th, 1861. Promoted 
Corporal September 1st, 1863. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, 
at expiration of service. 

Kearney, Michael. Enlisted from Chicago February 24th, 1864. 

Long, William P. Enlisted August 12th, 1861. Promoted Corporal 
May 10th, 1862. Discharged July 4th, 1863, for disability. 

Lacey, Thomas. Enlisted from Pontiac August 12th, 1861. Trans- 
ferred to Douglas Brigade. 

LarkinS, John M. Enlisted from Esmond August 22d, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va.; 
arm amputated. Discharged June 19th, 1865. 

Lilley, James. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 22d, 1861. 
Wounded in shoulder May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered 
out October 11th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Lookinbill, John H. Enlisted from Zion April 13th, 1865. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Moore, A. L. Enlisted from Indian Grove August 28th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal September 26th, 1864. Killed April 2d, 
1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 

Myers, Theodore. Enlisted from Chicago August 6th, 1861. De- 
serted February 4th, 1862. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY C— PRIVATES. 431 

Malone, William H. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 22d, 1861. 
Wounded in the face June 18th, 1864, near Chester Station, Va. Mus- 
tered out in September, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Murphy, David. Enlisted from Pontiac September 18th, 1861. Dis- 
charged December 12th, 1863, for disability. 

McGregor, Alonzo. Enlisted from Pontiac August 22d, 1861. 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

McNally, Micinael. Enlisted from Pontiac August 29th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded in the hand. May 16th, 1864, near Wier Bottom 
church, Va. Discharged April 25th, 1865, for disability. 

Malone, A. J. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 22d, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal September 4th, 1864; and to Sergeant May 
1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Morgan, William M. Enlisted from Chicago January 21st, 1864. 
Killed in battle June 2d, 1864, at or near Wier Bottom church, Va. 

McGregor, Charles A. Enlisted from Chicago February 22d, 1864, 
and detailed to the regimental baud. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865, with the regiment. 

Mack was always jolly, and made music wherever he went. He never 
got into much trouble except that he and the Colonel used to have a little 
misunderstanding occasionally on some point of order or discipline. After 
leaving the service he returned to Pontiac and went into the drug business 
and got rich. Latterly he has had an Indian agency out in the Indian 
Territory, ai:d got richer. If not, why not? He resides at Pontiac, 111. 

McElfreet, James. Enlisted from Chicago February 16th, 1864. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Miller, G. D. Enlisted September 29th, 1861. Deserted February 
24th, 1862. . 

Miner, John. Enlisted February 17th, 1865. Deserted June 15th. 
1865. 

McClaime, Wm. J. Enlisted February 28th, 1865. Killed April 2d. 
1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 

Myers, Thomas W. Enlisted March 22d, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Nash, L. N. Enlisted from Fairbury September 21st, 1861. Dis- 
charged July 25th, 1862, for disability. 

Perry, William H. Enlisted from Esmond August 12th, 1861. Died 
February 25th, 1862. 

Pernet, Joseph. Enlisted from Odell September 9th. 1861. Mus- 
tered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Pembroke, Jerry. Enlisted from Pontiac August 12th, 1861. Dis- 
charged January 31st, 1862, for disability. Resides at Ottawa, III. 

Palmer, Gersham. Enlisted from Pontiac August 19th, 1861. Died 
February 21st, 1863. 

Potter, William. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 28th, 1861. 
Died February 20th, 1863. 



432 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Porter, John H. Enlisted from LeRoy March 21st, 1862. Absent, 
sick, at muster-out of regiment. 

Reese, Isaac C. Enlisted from Joliet September 14th, 1861. Mus- 
tered, out September 13th, 1864, at expiration of service. Resides at 
Bloomington, 111. 

Raney, Samuel. Enlisted from Cayuga August 12th, 1861. Veteran. 
Taken prisoner June 2d, near Wier Bottom church, Va.; paroled and 
exchanged. Discharged September 26th, 1865, for disability. 

Riley, Thomas. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 12th, 1861. Dis- 
charged May 9th, 1863, for disability. 

Robinson, William E. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 22d, 

1861. Discharged March 8th, 1863, for disability. 

Relae, George. Enlisted September 4th, 1861. Veteran. Wounded 
in leg and taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va.; 
wounded in right arm April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, 
Va. — arm amputated. Discharged June 17th, 1866. 

Richardson, Jerry. Enlisted from Sunbury August 21st, 1861. 

Wounded and taken prisoner May 20th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va.; 

paroled and exchanged. Mustered out June 24th, 1865, at expiration 

of service. 
Reed, Henry. Enlisted August 25th, 1861. Died December 25th, 1861. 

Racker, Michael. Enlisted March 7th, 1864. Discharged July 5th, 
1865, under order War Department. 

Russel, S. S. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 

1865. 

Ray, Wilson. Enlisted June 30th, 1865. Contracted disease in 
October, 1865, at Norfolk, Va., and died in 1870. 

St. John, Seth. Enlisted from Ocoya September 6th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal March 10th, 1862. Taken prisoner May 16th, 
1864, at Drury's Blufif, Va., and was sent to prison at Florence, S. C. 

Shultz, Valentine. Enlisted from Nebraska August 12th, 1861. 
Wounded April 4th, 1862, at Woodstock, Va. Discharged June 18th, 

1862, for disability. 

Scott, Wesley. Enlisted from Pontiac August 16(h, 1861. Promoted 
Corporal September 4th, 1864. Wounded in thigh May 20th, 1864, at 
Wier Bottom church, Va.; also wounded and taken prisoner October 
13th, 1864. Paroled, and died in Camp Parole at Annapolis, Md. 

Springer, R. Enlisted from Amity August 12th, 1861. Discharged 
July 21st, 1862. for disability. 

Sellman, John. Enlisted from Rook's Creek August 18th, 1861. Mus- 
tered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Schafer, J. L. Enlisted from Cayuga August 12th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal August 1st, 1864. Wounded in shoulder May 16th, 
1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Promoted Sergeant January 1st, 1865. 
Resides at Tippecanoe City, Ohio. 

Stephenson, Albert A. Enlisted from Nebraska August 27th, 1861. 
Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's -Bluff, Va. Died in prison 
at Florence, S. C, October 11th, 1864. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY C— PRIVATES. 433 

Sellman, IVI. B. Enlisted from Ocoya February 22d, 1864. Promoted 
Corporal July 1st, 186.5. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

SchlweiS, Jacob. Enlisted from Chicago, January 2r)th, 1864. 
Wounded April 2d, 1865, at assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Discharged 
July 20th, 1865, for disability. 

Starkey, Orlando. Enlisted February 10th. 1864. Wounded in thigh 
August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run. Va. Promoted Corporal 
May 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Smith, John. Enlisted March 14th, 1864. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Strong, Ambrose. Enlisted February 17th, 1865. Mustered out, 
December 6th, 1865. 

Urick, Samuel. Enlisted December 22d, 1864. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Unrine, Oscar. Enlisted from Esmond August 28th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal May 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1866. 

Van Valkinberg, E. P. Enlisted from Odell August 30th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded April 2d, 1865, at assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 
Discharged July 18th, 1865, for disability. 

Vieux, John. Enlisted from Odell September 10th, 1861. Veteran. 
Taken prisoner May, 16th, 1864, at Drury"s Bluff, Va. 

Vieux, Casimir. Enlisted from Fairbury August 16th, 1861. Dis- 
charged December 16th, 1862, for disability. 

Watson, John. Enlisted from New Michigan September 29th, 1861. 
Discharged in May, 1862, for disability. 

Weidman, W. M. Enlisted from Rook's Creek September 16th, 1861, 
Veteran. Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Blufif, Va.; 
paroled and exchanged. Died December 21st, 1864. 

Wilson, James A. Enlisted March 14th, 1864. 

Wood, Samuel C. Enlisted January 11th, 1866. Deserted August 
12th, 1865. 

Wemick, William. Enlisted February 27th, 1865. Deserted June 
25th, 1865. 

Wogle, John J. Enlisted February 28th, 1865. 



434 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



Summary of Casualties, Etc. 

Killed in battle 7 

Died of wounds 2 

Died in prison 4 

Died of disease 7 

Wounded 32 

Lost limbs 4 

Taken prisoner 13 

Discharged for disability 27 

Transferred 2 

Deserted 8 

Mustered out at expiration of service 18 

Re-enlisted as veterans 39 

Number originally enlisted 89 

Recruits 51 

Mustered out with the regiment 62 

Known to be living (1889) 39 



CHAPTER XXYI. 



Organization of Company D — Roster and Biographical Sketches — Sum- 
mary of Casualties, etc. 



History of Company D. 

rpHIS company was organized at Eoclielle, 111., by Sam- 
uel S. Linton. The larger portion of it was recruited 
from Ogle county, and some were from Lee county. It was 
among the first to be assigned to the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, 
and was for some weeks quartered in the old Republican 
Wigwam, on Market street, Chicago. At the time of its 
muster into the LTnited States service it numbered some 
eighty-eight young, robust and enthusiastic men. They 
were mostly farmers' sons, used to hard labor, and in good 
circumstances. They enlisted believing that their country 
needed their services, not for the novelty of wearing a uni- 
form and enjoying camp-life, and their conduct throughout 
the whole war evinced how earnest and sincere was their 
devotion to their imperiled country. It was the first com- 
pany to meet the advancing force of the enemy under 
General Jackson near Bath, Ya., January 3d, 1862, holding 
them in check for some hours, and finally retreating in good 
order with the loss of a few men taken prisoners. 

This company was without a peer in skirmish tactics, 
consequently was often sent forward upon that duty, and did 
noble service. Nearly three-fourths of the members re-en- 
listed at Hilton Head, S. C, January 1st, ISCA, as veterans, 
and during the continuance of the war it proved a most 
prominent factor in all the battles and assaults the regiment 
was engaged in. It is impossible, in the brief space allotted, 

435 



436 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

to give a detailed account of its movements during the four 
years and two months of continuous service at the front. 
Suffice it to say that it was never found wanting when called 
upon, and never failed to do its full duty; and now, after 
more than a score of years, the few survivors look with pride 
and satisfaction upon what they helped to bring about — 
namely, a united, happy, and prosperous Nation. 



KosTER OF Company D. 

Captain Samuel S. Linton. Commissioned August 9th, 1861. 
Promoted to Major January 13th, 1863, vice S. W. Munn, resigned. 

Captain George O. Snowden. Wounded at Bermuda Hundred, 
Va., in the right thigh, June 3d, 1864'. Was sent to Chesapeake hos- 
pital, Fort Monroe, Va. While there, gangrene attacked the wound 
and he was kept there all the summer. He reported back to the regi- 
ment in October, 1864, but finding that he was unable to stand much 
field service he was mustered out November 10th, 1864. 

Captain Snowden was born in the City of Pittsburgh, Pa., December 
31st, 1835. His early years were occupied in attending school, and when 
old enough he entered a printing office as " Printer's Devil." In 1855 he 
went to Oregon, Ogle county, 111., where he engaged in clerking until the 
year 1858, when he went South and commenced steamboating, which busi- 
ness he followed until the fall of 1860 and then returned to Oregon and 
entered his father's drug store as clerk. Early in 1861 he met S. S. Linton, 
who was recruiting men for Company D, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers, 
and accompanied him to Chicago, where, after looking things over, he 
concluded to enlist, and was mustered into Company D as a private. At 
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., he was promoted to First Sergeant by 
Colonel Austin Light. He was first under the fire of the enemy at Dam 
No. 5 on the Potomac river, near Clear Springs, Md. At the battle of Win- 
chester, Va., March 23d, 1862, he commanded his company by reason of 
Captain Linton acting as Major and Lieutenant J. F. Linton as Quarter- 
master of the regiment, and Lieutenant Towner absent sick. At Strasburgh, 
Va., Colonel Osborn ordered him to put aside his gun and knapsack and 
take a sword, which he did with becoming modesty, and was commis- 
sioned First Lieutenant June 12th, 1862, at Luray, Va. 

During the siege of Charleston, S. C, he was in command of the 
force in support of the " Swamp Angel " the night the gun burst — the 
breech being blown off. 

Captain Snowden was a brave, faithful and meritorious officer and 
soldier, and the necessity for his leaving the service was much regretted by 
all who knew him. He left the service highly commended by his superior 



ROSTER OF COMPANY D— OFFICERS. 437 

officers for his intelligence and soldierly bearing and his faithful and 
prompt obedience in the execution of all orders. The Captain is now 
living at Waterloo, Iowa, engaged in the book and stationery business. 

First Lieutenant J. F, Linton. Commissioned August nth, 1861. 
Promoted to Regimental Quartermaster June 12th, 1862, vice Cutler, 
resigned. ( See Field and Staff.) 

First Lieutenant George O. Snowden. Commissioned June 
12th, 1862, vice J. F. Linton, promoted. 

First Lieutenant Cyrus F. Knapp. Wounded August I6th, 
1861:, in the shoulder, at the battle of Deep Run, Va. Mustered out 
December 17th, 1864. 

After leaving the service. Lieutenant Knapp engaged in business in 
Chicago, but in later years removed to some place in Michigan, where, it is 
reported, he died. 

First Lieutenant William H. Ferren. Commissioned March 

31st, 1865, vice Knapp, mustered out. Resigned August 16th, 1865. 

Nothing is known of Ferrin's early history, or what has become of 
him. 

First Lieutenant Edmond J. Tinayer. Commissioned Sergeant 
August 21st. 1866, vice Ferrin, resigned. Wounded June 18th, 1864; 
and again October 7th, 1864, in both legs, and portion of fibula of 
right leg resected. 

Thayer was born August 22d, 1840, at Chelsea, Vermont; emigrated to 
Iowa in 1854, and in the winter of 1859 removed to Ogle county, 111. From 
this place he enlisted in Company D. He had previously enlisted for the 
three months' service, but the company was not accepted. He was the first 
man from the regiment to re-enlist as a veteran in January, 1864. While 
home on veteran furlough he married Miss E. F. Benedict at Lindenwood. 
Ogle county. After the war he went to Kansas, locating on a homestead' 
near Fort Scott, where he remained until 1878, when he moved to lola, 
Kansas, where he is engaged in the milling business. He has obeyed the 
divine injunction to "increase and multiply," for two sons and six 
daugeters make glad his home circle. 

Lieutenant Thayer was a deserving soldier, and fairly won all his 
promotions. He was greatly respected for his many excellent qualities as 
a man and his soldierly conduct wherever placed. He was commissioned 
Captain of Company D, December 6th, 1865, but could not be mustered as 
there was not the requisite number of men in the company. The company 
had been under his command since August 16th, and remained so until the 
final disbandment December 16th. 1865. 

Second Lieutenant Austin Towner. Commissioned August 

!tth, 1861. Resigned September 4th. 18(!2. Is now living at Quarry, 
Marshall county, Iowa. 
Second Lieutenant Cyrus F. Knapp. Promoted First Lieu- 
tenant September 11th, 1862, vice Snowden. promoted. 



438 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Second Lieutenant John Frane. Killed in battle August I6th, 
186-t, at Deep Run, Va. 

First Sergeant George O. Snowden. Enlisted August I2th, 
1861. Promoted First Lieutenant June 12th, 1862. 

Sergeant Cyrus F. Knapp. Enlisted from Chicago August 12th, 
1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant September 4th, 1862. 

Sergeant JoFin W. Gitcheil. Enlisted from Paine's Point Au- 
gust 9th, 1861. Reduced to the ranks May 10th, 1862. Died from 
disease. 

Sergeant Joinn Frane. Enlisted from Paine's Point August 9th, 
1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant January 13th, 1863. 

Sergeant John L. York. Enlisted from Paine's Point August 9th, 
1861. Died at St. Louis, Mo., October, 1861. 

Corporal Edmond J. Thayer. Enlisted from Lindenwood Au- 
gust 21st, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Sergeant in 1863; promoted 
First Lieutenant September 21st, 1865. 

Corporal Charles Miles. Enlisted from Lindenwood August 31st, 
1861. Discharged June, 1862, for disability. Is living at Oregon, 111. 

Corporal Gottlieb Horn. Enlisted from Lindenwood August 
12th, 1861. Veteran. Reduced to the ranks and made regimental 
bugler, at his request. Wounded May 20th, 1864, in the leg. Is liv- 
ing at Holcomb, 111. 

Corporal Maiden E. Waite. Enlisted from Oregon August 9th, 
1861. Reduced to the ranks December 7th, 1861. Wounded in the 
arm June 16th, 1864. Died July 2d, 1864, in hospital, from wounds. 

Corporal William H. Beach. Enlisted from Oregon September 
5th, 1861. Discharged May 30th, 1864, for disability. 

Corporal Ezra E. Johnson. Enlisted from Willow Creek Sep- 
tember 4th, 1861. Promoted Sergeant May 11th, 1862. Mustered 
out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Corporal Thomas Hopkins. Enlisted from Hennepin August 
22d, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Sergeant October 4th, 1862. Killed 
May 20th, 1864, in battle. 

Corporal C D. Gaul. Enlisted from Dwight September 21st, 1861. 

Veteran. Promoted Sergeant December 5th, 1864. Wounded in the 

head August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. 

Corporal Gaul also received two accidental wounds — one from a bay- 
onet, in the thigh, in July, 1863, and one while cutting timber in the spring 
of 1864, at Bermuda Hundred, Va. Is living near Cleveland, Ohio. 



Privates. 

Atkinson, Edward. Enlisted from Willow Creek September 9th, 
1861. Discharged June, 1862, for disability. 

AtwOOd, Joseph S. Enlisted from Paine's Point August 12th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in both thighs May 20th, 1864, at battle of Wier 
Bottom church, Va. Mustered out with the regiment. 
Atwood was born in Canada, June 27th, 1841, and remained there 










L.ur. S. W. HOFFMAN. 2. L.u.. ^OHN FRANe Co^ D 3 

U... HORACE KNAPP, CO. D. 4. \;:^:^^^:;';:^o:^/co. . 



Lieut. JAMES LEMON, Co. I. 
Serg't-Majoh REESE BISHOP. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY D— PRIVATES. 439 

until his twelfth year, when his parents removed with him to the State of 
Illinois, making a home on a farm in Ogle county. His advantages in 
youth were those of the average farmer's sons in those days— working the 
farm during its season, and attending the district school in winter. He 
participated in all the movements and engagements with the enemy that 
the regiment shared in, and was a capable and honest soldier. He had his 
hand in helping to construct the " Swamp Angel" battery on Morris Island, 
S C and was one among others to volunteer to go out in Charleston har- 
bor in search of a lost sand-barge that had drifted away. He was wounded 
in the upper part of both thighs May 20th, 18(54, and was sent to the gen- 
eral hospital at Point Lookout, Md. He was energetic and enterpnsmg, 
and when off duty wielded the razor in place of the gun and established 
considerable reputation as a barber. After the war he settled in Chicago, 
making his home at 994 Washington Boulevard, which he owns, and is m 
the employ of a large wholesale dealer in salt fish on Michigan avenue. 
He is a strict temperance man, and very active in the Order of Good Tem- 
plars; also in Grand Army matters, being a member of Weitzel Post, and 
was lately elected to the office of Vice-Commander. 
Armstrong, Thomas L. Enlisted from Willow Creek September 

9th, 1861 Discharged June 18th, 1862, for disability. 
Alles, Frank. Enlisted from Winnetka February 20th, 1864. Mustered 

out December 6th, 1865. 
Bullis Newman P. Enlisted from Lane, August 12th, 1861. Mus- 
^ tered oTsTptember 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Rnwdon Fred R. Enlisted from Oregon August 21st, 1861. Vet- 
eran Wounded September 25th, 1863, at Fort Gi-egg, S. C and 
Ipiil 2ri865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 
BOVCe Hiram. Enlisted from Oregon August 2 1st. 186L Veteran. - 

^??omoted Corporal August 4th, 1865. Is livmg at Oregon, 111. 
Rnrk^nhupl Henry. Enlisted from Peru November 1st, 1861. 
Vet"ivan Wounded^NIay 20th, 1864. Promoted Corporal December 
5th 1864. Mustered out November, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Boone', William W. Enlisted from Chicago March 7th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out with the regiment. 

Boone was quite a boy when he entered the service, yet PO^^essed the 
qualities of a good soldier, and knew how to handle his g- -JJ^J- ^^ 
the enemy. It is remembered that he made a good record at the b.mle 
of Drury's Bluff, Va. He is now living at Chicago, engaged in the livery 
business on North Clark street. 
Bunker, Nathaniel. Enlisted November ^th f ^ J.-^ke" P"— 

August 18th, 1864. Died in prison January 16th, 18(,5. 
Buchanan, John S. Enlisted from Clay county April 11th. 186.5. 

Discharged May 20th, 1865, for disability. 
Bogard, Levi W. Enlisted April 6th, 186.5. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 



440 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Cutler, George O. Enlisted from Dwight August 28th, 1861. Trans- 
ferred to and discharged with the original band in 1862. Re-enlisted. 
Wounded in the head at Fort Wagner, S. C. Promoted Corporal De- 
cember loth, 1862. Died September 11th, 1863, from disease. 

Collins, David. Enlisted from Paine's Point August 29th, 1861. Pro- 
moted Corporal December 7th, 1861; to Sergeant July 1st, 1862. 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Chasm, Thomas. Enlisted from Oregon August 21st, 1861. Died 
August 18th, 1862. 

Crum, William. Enlisted from Oregon September 5th, 1861. Taken 
prisoner January 3d, 1862, at Bath, Va. Discharged June 6th, 1862, 
for disability. 

CummingS, William S. Enlisted from Chicago September 4th, 
1861. Discharged June, 1862, for disability. 

Chichester, Sanford H. Enlisted from Hennepin August 23d, 
1861. Discharged March 31st, 1862, for disability. 

Core, Robert. Enlisted February 22d, 1865. Wounded April 2d, 1865, 
at Fort Gregg, Va. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Crum, Gabriel. Enlisted from Oregon September 5th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 27th, 1863, for disability. 

Corsant, Henry. Enlisted from Oregon September 5th, 1861. Taken 
prisoner May 26th, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va. Discharged October 
16th, 1862, for disability. 

Cannon, Patrick. Enlisted from Oregon February 25th, 1864. 
Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Blufif, Va., and also October 13th, 
1864. Died October 22d, 1864, from wounds. 

Dietz, Augustus. Enlisted February 23d, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Dresser, Lewis. Enlisted from Lane August 29th, 1861. Veteran. 
Killed October 16th, 1864, at Darby town Cross-Roads, Va. 

Doyle, John. Enlisted from Chicago February 9th. 1864. Wounded 
May 16th, 1864, at Ditiry's Bluff, Va., and taken prisoner. Is living 
at Leadville, Colorado. 

Doran, James. Enlisted from Pontiac November 22d. 1863. Dis- 
charged June 23d, 1864, for disability. 

Dagnan, John. Enlisted from Schaumberg September 26th, 1864. 
Discharged June lOth, 1865, for disability. 

Ellis, Dwight D. Enlisted from Dwight December 17th, 1862. Killed 
August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. 

Edmonds, D. W. Enlisted from Lane August 18th, 1861. Deserted 
August 20th, 1861. 

Fuller, Thomas A. Enlisted from Rockvale March 1st, 1865. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Oregon. 111. 

Fuller, Mahlon T. Enlisted August 21st, 1861. Veteran. Wounded 
May 20th, 1864, in the leg. Promoted Corporal April 1st, 1865. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Lyons, Clinton county, 
Iowa. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY D— PRIVATES. 441 

Ferren, William H. Enlisted from Paine's Point August 9th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Sergeant March 1st, 18«>3. and to Second Lieu- 
tenant in 1865. 

Farbel, Joseph D. Enlisted September 1st, 1861. Discharged Au- 
gust 13th. 18(52. for disability. 

Fuller, Leander C. Enlisted from Oregon August 29th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 1-ith, 1863, for disability. Is living at Allerton. Iowa. 

Folsom, William F. Enlisted from Hennepin August 21st. 1861. 
Discharged May 31st, 1862, for disability. 

Farley, Patrick. Enlisted from Oregon August 12th, ISei. Veteran. 
Wounded in the head May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 15th, 1865. Is living at Oregon, 
Ogle county, 111. 

Ferrell, Jesse A. Enlisted from Oregon August 9th. 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded and taken prisoner October 27th, 1864. Died in prison at 
Florence, S. C. 

Fuller, George L. Enlisted from Oregon August 22d, 1861. Pro- 
moted Corporal November 1st, 1862. Reduced July loth, 1864. Mus- 
tered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Fuller is now living at Athens, Penn., engaged in the confectionery 

business. 

Foster, Peter. Enlisted from Chicago August 12th. 1861. Deserted 
August 16th, 1862. 

Griffith, George. Enlisted from Lane August 21st, 1861. Wounded 
August 26th, 1863, at Fort Wagner, S. C. Died August 31st, 1863, 
from wounds. 

Gregory, Samuel. Enlisted from Aurora August 16th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal September 11th. 1863: to Sergeant August 4th, 
1865. Is living at Lake Linden, Mich. 

Garrett, James. Enlisted from Chicago October 9th, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded in right arm April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, 
Va. Is living at Berlin, Wis. 

German, Allen. Enlisted from Lane August 29th, 1861. Deserted 
December 18th, 1861. 

Godfrey, Isaac. Enlisted from Lane August 21st, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded in leg August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Discharged July 
20th, 1865, for disability from wounds. 

Grant, James L. Enlisted from Paine's Point August 12th. 1861. 
Taken prisoner January 3d, 1862, at Bath, Va. Discharged June 6th, 
1862, for disability. 

Guyott, Frank. Enlisted from Willow Creek August 15th. 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal November 22d, 1862. Deserted March 
9th, 1864. 

Gaurley, Alexander. Enlisted from Dwight September 21st, ISfil, 

at the age of sixty-seven years. Veteran. Mustered out May 6th. 1865. 

Gaurley was detailed as company cook. When Captain Snowden 

received his wound, June 3d, 1864, he took the Captain upon his shoulders 

and carried him to a place of safety, then rejoined his company in the 



442 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

battle. The following incident is related by Lieutenant E. J. Thayer of 
Gaurley's efforts to please. Snowden had spoken of liking apple-sauce 
flavored with nutmeg, and the following day Gaurley remarked that he had 
bought some nutmegs, but he didn't believe they were good, for he had 
cooked them a long time and they failed to get any softer. He is living at 
the Soldiers' Home at Leavenworth, Kansas, and is ninety-five years of age, 
— the oldest survivor of the Thirty-Ninth by many years. 

Green, IraW. Enlisted from Marion February 27th, 1864. Wounded 
May 16th, 1864, in the arm, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Hummell, Robert N. Enlisted from Lane August 16th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded in the head May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Killed, April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 

Harding, Eugene H. Enlisted from Dement August 5th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded in the arm August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Dis- 
charged June 13th, 1865, for disability from wounds. Is living, but 
his address is not known. 

Hemmerling, Fred. M. Enlisted from Paine's Point September 
6th, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal ; Sergeant Septem- 
ber 1st, 1864. Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. 
He is living at New Hartford, Iowa. 

Hare, John. Enlisted from Lane August 9th, 1861. Discharged March 
5th, 1862, for disability. 

Huff, Charles M. Enlisted from Oregon August 21st, 1861. Deserted 
November 30th, 1861. 

Hewitt, Frank E. Enlisted from Lane August 6th, 1861. Taken 
prisoner January 3d, 1862, at Bath, Va. Discharged January 9th, 
1863, for disability. 

Hunt, L. J. Enlisted from Peru August 9th, 1861. Wounded August 
16th, 1864, in the head. Promoted Corporal March 1st, 1865. 
Wounded April 2d, 1865, in left cheek. Deserted August 3d, 1865. 

Harman, Thomas. Enlisted September 10th, 1864. Discharged 
January 10th, 1865, under order of War Department. 

Jones, William H. Enlisted from Lane September 3d, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded in the left thigh October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross- 
Roads, Va. 

After leaving the service Jones pursued a course of medical study, 
attending lectures at Rush Medical College in Chicago, session 1867-68, 
and graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa, 
in 1874. He resides at Forest City, Iowa. 

Jones, Thomas. Enlisted from Taylorville April 14th, 1865. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Jacobs, Bernard. EnlistedFebruary 21st, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Kuyler, John W. Enlisted from Dwight September 5th, 1861. Died 
October 24th, 1861. at Dwight, 111. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY D— PRIVATES. 443 

Kinnaw, Thomas. Enlisted from Oregon Seiitember 21.st, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in the thigh August 16th, 1864, at Darbytown 
Oross-Roads, Va. Is living at Kansas City, Mo. 

Kinney, Patrick. Enlisted from Oregon September 22d, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Discharged December 1st, 1862, for disability. Re-enlisted 
February 25th, 1864. He was wounded January 3d, 1862, at Bath, Va. 
Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Paroled and 
exchanged, and killed August 16th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, 
Va. 

Kinney, Barney. Enlisted February 22d, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Kinney, John. Enlisted April 14th, 1865. Deserted June, 1865. 

Lyons, John. Enlisted from Lane September 27th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal April 1st, 1865. 

Lynn, George W. Enlisted from Lane September 21st, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal November 1st, 1862; Sergeant September 
1st, 1864. Wounded in the thigh April 2d, 1865, in the assault on 
Fort Gregg, Va. Was also wounded June 2d, 18()4, in the head, and 
again May 20th, 1864, in the breast at Wier Bottom church, Va. 
Mustered out December 6th 1865. 

LawSOn, Thomas. Enlisted from Lane September 19th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Taken prisoner January 3d, 1862, at Bath, Va.; paroled and 
exchanged. Promoted Corporal September 2d, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. Is living on Eighteenth street, Chicago. (His 
proper name is Larsen. The Adjutant-General's report has it 
Lucen.) 

Lee, Jefferson. Enlisted September 30th, 1861. Mustered out Sep- 
tember 30th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Luce, William C. Enlisted from Chicago February 22d, 1864. 

Ladd, Atticus A. Enlisted from Joliet October 27th, 1862. Mus- 
tered out October 27th, 1865, at expiration of service. Is living at 
San Francisco, Cal. 

Low, Richard. Enlisted February 23d, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 18(55. 

Lacey, James L. Enlisted from Oregon September 21st, 1861. 
Taken prisoner January 3d, 1862, at Bath, Va. Discharged June 6th, 
1862, for disability. 

Langley, John. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out December (ith, 
1865. 

IVlcLaughiin, John. Enlisted September 3d, 1861. Transferred to 
regular service December 5th, 1862. 

IVIartuze, John. Enlisted from Chicago September ISth, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded May 20th, 1864, in the thigh, at Wier Bottom church, 
Va. 

McCarnley, F. S. Enlisted from Lane August 21st, 1861. Veteran. 
Taken prisoner January 3d, 1862, at Bath, Va. Promoted Corporal, 
and to Sergeant September 5th. 1864. Woimded October 13th, in the 
leg, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 



444 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



Martin, John. Enlisted from 



oner January 3d, 1862, at 



■om Lane August 21st, 1861. Taken pris- • 
Bath, Va. Discharged for disability. 1 



Miller, John. Enlisted from Lane August 28th, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Dis- 
charged July 15th, 1865, for disability'from wounds. 

Moore, William. Enlisted from Lane August 26th, 1861. Mustered c 
out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. Is living at 
Waco, Nebraska. 

Myers, Joseph. Enlisted from Martinsburg February 20th, 1861 
Died September 15th, 1864. 

Mott, Leander M. Enlisted from Chicago October 17th, 1862. 
Transferred to non-commissioned staflf as principal musician. Is 
living at Englewood, 111. 

Morgan, William H. Enlisted from Chicago February 29th, 1864. 
Wounded October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Dis- 
charged September 1st, 1865, for disability from wounds. Is living 
at Streator, 111. ® 

Montgomery, George. Enlisted March 29th, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Martin, Albert. Enlisted from Springfield December 17th, 1862. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

McLain, M. Enlisted January 6th, 1865. Died July 3d, 186.'). 

McMiller, James. Enlisted February 22d, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Morgan, Thomas J. Enlisted February 25th, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

MoTravis, John. Enlisted January 6th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

McLain, William. Enlisted January 6th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Moore, Richard. Enlisted January 5th, 1865. Discharged June 23d, 

1865, for disability. 

Nason, Adam C. Enlisted from Rockford November 19th, 1861. 
Taken prisoner March 28th, 1862, at Winchester, Va. Wounded in 
the thigh October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Pro- 
moted Corporal September 1st, 1864. Discharged June 16th, 1865. 

Nye, Edward. Enlisted from Lane September 3d, 1861. Mustered 
out October 12th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Odeil, John L. Enlisted from Oregon September 12th. 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded June 2d, 1864, near Wier Bottom church, Va.; arm 
amputated at shoulder joint. Died in hospital June 29th, 1864, from 
wounds. 

Poffenberger, James. Enlisted from Oregon August 28th, 1861. 
Discharged December 15th, 1862, for disability. 

Patterson, William A. Enlisted from Oregon August 28th. 1861. 
Wounded October 1st. 1863, at Fort Gregg, S. C. Mustered out Sep- 
tember 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. Is living at Westminster, 
Los Angeles county, California, engaged in farming. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY D— PRIVATES. 445 

Postel, William S. Enlisted August 21st, 1861. Transferred to 

Veteran Reserve Corps June 20th, 1864. 
Po+f^rson Ole C. Enlisted from Lake View September 22d, 1864. 

DiJcliarged June 10th, 186.5, under order of War Department. 

Purck Henry. Enlisted March 2d, 1865. Wounded i^ bowels April 
?d,'l86^ at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Died Apnl 4th, I860, m 
hospital at Point of Rocks, Va. 

Phillips, James. Enlisted April 11th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Page, Allen. Enlisted March 23d, 1865. Died May r2th, 1865. 

Dr^Kin<^nn Georee H. Enlisted from HedgesviUe, Va., March 1st, 
^""^^^2 W?un?ecP5ar20th, 1864, at Wier Bottom church, Va; leg am- 
putated. Died May 25th, 1864, in hospital, from wounds. 
ROSt Lewis J. Enlisted from Dwight September 21st, 1861. Wound- 
ed A ueust 16th, 1864, in the arm and breast, at Darby town Cro..- 
Roads^Va. Mustered out September 21st, 1864, at expiration of 



service. 



Reese John. Enlisted from Lane August 9th, 1861. .yf^^^-/'^"- 
^moted Corporal September 1st, 1863; Sergeant April 1st, 1865. Is 

living at Munson, Iowa. 

Root, Charles. Enlisted from Lane August 21st, I86I. Killed Sep- 
tember 9th, 1864, in front of Petersburg, \ a. 

Root, Luther J. Enlisted from Santa Anna April 10th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Reed, J. F. Enlisted April 11th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 

battle of Deep Run, Va. 
^ , r>Ko^lo= P Enlisted from Lindenwood September 2Jth, 

^"KT^k^^.^'^ol Se-pte^bStoth, ,864, at expiration o, .er™e. 

Schwab, Jacob. E„>i,.ed ^'Z,^^l^'lSr\t^ll'^'<^^'^ ^^'^ 

eran. Mustered out December 6th, l»t..^. i^ s 

street, Cleveland, Ohio. 

Stillyer, John. Enlisted from Willow Creek August 9th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out December bth, 18t.o. 

smith, Michael. Enlisted from Lane August^'lst, I86I. Wounded 
in the head May 16th, 1864, at Drury s Bluff, Va. 

Spinnings, Clark. Enlisted from Dwight September 3d. I86I. Dis- 
charged June 22d, 1863, for disabilitj. 

Staley, Abner. Enlisted from Dwight December 17th, 186.>. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

smith, Henry. EnU.ted Ap.il «b, 1S65. Mu.teted out December 

Shields?Peter. Enlisted Febrnarj 20th, 1805. Mnste.ed out Decern- 

ber 6th, 1865. 



446 ' THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Tobias, Nathaniel. Enlisted from Lane August 29th, 1861 KillfiH 
May 16th. 18(54, at battle of Drury's Bluff. 

Taggart, John. Enlisted from Chicago December 29th, 1864. AVound- 
ed in the arm May 20th, 1864. Deserted August 3d, 1865. 

Tindale, Daniel A. Enlisted from Chicago November 19th 1863 

?d?l865 '"^ ^''^ '^"^'''* ^^'^^' ^^^*' ""* ^^^P ^"''' ^^''- Deserted August 

Vaughn, William D. Enlisted February 23d, 1865. Killed at Fort 

Crregg, Va., April 2d, 1865. 

Waite, Maiden C. Enlisted from Lane August 9th, 1861 Taken 
f'orXabifit"'''''^' ^^' ^^"^^^ ^^ ^^^^' ^^- Di^^harged June 6th, 1862, 

Wurdeman, John H. Enlisted from Lindenwood, August 28th 1861 
K 7,?K 1?^?°'?''^'^ Corporal September 1st, 1864. Wounded Octo- 
ber 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. 

Wells, George W. Enlisted from Lane September 12th, 1861 Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal September 5th, 1864. Wounded in both 
knees October 13th, 1864. Promoted Sergeant September 20th, 1865. 
Died at Chicago, 111., in 1887. 

Wise, Christian. Enlisted from Lindenwood August 21st 1861 
A\andei-ed from camp near Edinburg, Va., April, 1862, in a state of 

lllbcllllt\ • 

Weinholtz, John C. Enlisted from Chicago September 30th, 1861. 
Deserted October 16th, 1861. 

Walls, Nelson. Enlisted from Willow Creek August 20th 1861 Vet- 
eran. Taken prisoner January 3d, 1862, at Bath, Va. 

Walls is marked as having deserted March 8th, 1864. He went into 
the gunboat service on the Mississippi river, and served until the end of 
the war. Is living at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. 

Willis, Frederick. Enlisted from Chicago February 29th, 1864 
Missing since August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va, 

^^"ftllses^®*®""" ^°"'*''^ February 22d, 1865. Deserted September 

Ward, L. S. Enlisted April 10th, 1865. Deserted June 28th, 1865. 

Wills, Elmore. Enlisted March 23d, 1865. Died June 16th, at Rich- 
mond, \a., in hospital Twenty-Fourth Army Corps. 



SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES, ETC. 447 



Summary of Casualties, Etc. 

... 10 
Killed in battle ^ 

Died of wounds 

Died of disease 

Died in prison 

Wounded ^ . 

15 

Taken prisoner ^^ 

Lost limbs • • 

Deserted ' ' ' ' , 

Transferred 

Discharged for disability ^ ^ 

Mustered out at expiration of service ^- 

Number re-enlisted 

Number briginally enlisted ^^ 

Recruits. ^„ 

Number returned home at muster-out ^^ 

Number known to be living ■■ 



CHAPTEK XXVII. 



Company E — How Recruited — Roster and Biography — Summary of 
Casualties, etc. 



History of Company E. 

OOME time in May, 1801, soon after Stephen A. Douglas 
had returned to Illinois and made his memorable 
speeches in support of the Union, a band of young men in 
Wesley township, Will county, united and formed at the 
Wesley school-house a company which was called the "Flor- 
ence Hifles.'' They met each Saturday afternoon for drill 
in company evolutions, and were uniformed in blue blouses. 
This continued up to some time in August, when they began 
to look about for a regiment in which to enlist for the war. 

A company that had been formed at Wilmington, 111., 
some six miles distant, and which had joined the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois, or "Yates Phalanx" (Company A), had some 
influence in determining their choice of a regiment, and on 
September 12th, 1861, they proceeded to Chicago, and en- 
tered that regiment at Camp Mather, forming the nucleus of 
Company E. While at Camp Mather the company received 
a number of recruits from different places in the State, and 
from the city. October 11th, 1861, the membership num- 
bered forty-six men. While at St. Louis, Mo., Lieutenant 
AVarner was sent home to recruit for the company, and suc- 
ceeded in taking quite a number of men with him when he 
rejoined his regiment at Williamsport, Md., in November, 
1861. The company, however, never received its full com- 

448 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E— OFFICERS. 449 

plement of men until the return of the regiment from South 
Carolina on its " veteran furlough." 

James H. Hooker was one of the principal organizers at 
the first attempt at the formation of a company, and he it 
was who bestowed the name of the -'Florence Eifles." He 
did but little active service in recruiting, but furnished con- 
siderable money for the purpose. Lewis T. Whipple, who 
had picked up some knowledge of the " Scott tactics," was 
the principal drill -master. 

At the election for officers held at Camp Mather, 
Chicago, James H. Hooker was elected Captain ; Lewis T. 
Whipple First Lieutenant; and Norman C. Warner Second 
Lieutenant. 

Company E was noticeable from the fact that the 
majority of its members were below the average stature of 
men, and there were many mere boys in the ranks; but what 
was lacking in this respect was more than compensated for 
in their soldierly spirit and behavior. 

At the time General Jackson made his raid on the Union 
troops stationed on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio rail- 
road at Alpine St^ation, Va., and other points, Company E 
was stationed at Sii" John's Kun, some six miles distant from 
Alpine, and held that place for the period of six hours 
against a brigade of the enemy, thus preventing their en- 
trance into Maryland at that point. It took a prominent 
part in all of the battles and skirmishes with the enemy that 
the regiment participated in, and acquitted itself most gal- 
lantly and heroically, as the record shows. 



KosTER OF Company E. 

Captain James H. Hooker. Commissioned August 12th, 18G1. 

Resigned May 26th, 1861.'. 

James H. Hooker was born at Rochester. New York, June 23d. 1832. 
The family consisted of the father, Alexander A. Hooker, mother. James, 
and six girls. His father served in the War of 1812 against the Indians, 

29 



450 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

and in Canada, participating in the battles of Lundy's Lane and Queens- 
town Heights. He married late in life, and died when James was only 
fourteen years of age, and upon him devolved, to a great extent, the sup- 
port of the family. He entered the nursery business, and travelled exten- 
sively through the Western States selling trees, after which he bought a 
farm near Wilmington, 111., and gave his attention to farming. 

When the war broke out he gave his attention to raising a company, 
which afterwards became known as Company E of the Thirty -Ninth Illinois 
Infantry, of which he became the Captain, serving as such with distinguished 
ability and bravery up to the time that his resignation was ofifered by 
reason of ill-health. 

The Captain is now living at or near Rochester, New York, engaged 
in his old business. * 

Captain Lewis T. Whlipple. Promoted, vice Hooker, resigned. 
Mustered out October 25th, 1864, at expiration of his term of service. 

Stephen R. Moore, Esq., of Kankakee, 111., contributes the following: 

Lewis T. Whipple was born in Miamisburgh, Ohio, on January 24th, 
1840, and died in the city of Kankakee, Illinois, on April 24th, 1870. He 
came from a pure New England Puritan stock. His father, Ethan Allen 
Whipple, and Martha, his mother, emigrated from Vermont, and were 
pioneers in the settlement of the Miami Valley, Ohio; and from them he in- 
herited a manly physique, and a robust honesty, which traits distinguished 
him in the active battle of life. 

In 1852 he came with his parents to the Kankakee Valley, and his 
youth was spent on the farm, and he received such education from the dis- 
trict school as was common to the Illinois pioneers. But in his mother he 
had a better teacher than the undeveloped common schools could furnish, 
and at his majority we find him possessed of far more than average educa- 
tional attainments. His mother was preparing him to enter upon the 
study of the law. He lacked but a few days of his majority when the 
nation was thrilled with the news that Sumter had fallen. The Kankakee 
Valley was ablaze with excitement. The sturdy sons of her patriot sires 
solemnly swore to avenge this insult to the flag. 

Among the first to enlist was Lewis T. Whipple, who entered the ser- 
vice as a private, and by meritorious promotions he was soon advanced to 
the Captaincy of his company. A better soldier, a purer patriot, and a 
more manly man, never left the farm home for the soldier life. The writer 
of this sketch knew Captain Whipple from boyhood up to the time he 
closed his eyes in death, and knows whereof he speaks. He served his 
country with fidelity; in all things he was a dutiful son; he was a kind, 
loving husband; and being all these, it is scarcely necessary to add that he 
was a faithful Christian. In honor of his memory the Grand Army of 

*NoTE. — The writer received a lengtliy communication from Captain Hooker, de- 
scriptive of his military services and containing a number of pleasing incidents, but it 
came too late to be made use of in its jiroper place, which is to be regretted. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E— OFFICERS. 451 

Kankakee has named its Post after him. and the old soldiers delijrht to 
honor his memory. He was engaged on many battle-fields. His regiment 
was in the famous retreat of General McClellan from before Richmond. 
He told the writer that after a day of terrible battle, when the Thirty-Ninth 
Regiment had borne the brunt of the conflict, they called the roll of officers 
of the regiment, and but five were living to answer to their names. The 
balance of the officers and many brave privates had given'up their lives that 
the flag might live. He told me they were utterly broken down by the 
loss of so many brave and loving companions, and they cried and sobbed 
like little children, as they contemplated the dreadful loss they had sus- 
tained, and the tears came to his eyes as he narrated these trying events. 

At the close of the war he determined to pursue his plan of life that 
was broken oflf when he enlisted in the army, and entered the writer's law 
office as a student, and so well did he apply himself to the study of the law, 
that he passed a handsome examination, and was admitted to the bar in 
the early part of 1867. 

December 18th, 1867, he was united in marriage at Kankakee to Miss 
Nellie Stiles, a most estimable and amiable young lady. They had a beau- 
tiful home life. Shortly after the marriage Captain Whipple's health 
began to fail. He had repeatedly told the writer that he feared the effect 
of the terrific cannonading to which he was subjected in the memorable 
seven days' retreat with McClellan. That his brain function was injured 
thereby admits of no doubt, and the effect of it became painfully apparent 
to his intimate friends in 1868 or 1869, and it grew on him in severity until 
his life went out in April, 1870. When we think of the possibilities which 
lay before him, we regret that he could not have lived to a ripened old age, 
his powers unfolding with unfolding time, 

" Till, like ripe fruit, he dropped 
Into his mother's lap: or was with ease 
Gathered, not harshly plucked, for death mature," 

rather than that his life should have gone out in the spring-time of its 
splendor. 

But the Father, who doeth all things well, called him to his eternal 
home, where he will live forever and for aye. 
" There is no death 
To the living soul, nor loss, nor harm." 

Captain Minor W. Milliman. Promoted lice Whipple, " mustered 
out." Promoted Major June Gth, 1865, vice Plimpton, promoted. 

Captain John L. Ripple. Entered the service from Orbisonia, 
Pa. Was promoted Captain vice Milliman, promoted, but could not 
muster. Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with the regiment. 
Nothing is known of Captain Ripple since he left the service. It has 

been mentioned that he is living somewhere in Pennsylvania. 

First Lieutenant John L. Ripple. Promoted Captain June 6th, 
1865, vice Milliman, promoted. 



452 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

First Lieutenant Norman C. Warner. Promoted May 26th, 
1862. Breveted Major of Volunteers for meritorious conduct after 
the battle of Deep Run, Va., August 16th, 1864. Discharged for disa- 
bility (loss of leg) December 15th, 1864. 

Lieutenant Warner was wounded August 16th, 1864, by a bullet from 
the enemy while pressing forward with the colors of the regiment which he 
had taken from the hands of the wounded Color-Sergeant, Henry Har- 
denburgh, of Company G. His leg was so badly shattered that amputation 
became necessary. For his heroic conduct on that occasion he was pro- 
moted to Major of U. S. Volunteers by "brevet" and honorably discharged 
from the service December 15th, 1864. During his service he acceptably 
filled several positions, the most important of which were those of acting 
Adjutant and Regimental Quartermaster. He also at one time commanded 
the Requa Battery on Morris Island, S. C. 

Major Warner was born at Lima, Livingston county, N. Y., and 
came with his father's family to Will county, Illinois, in the year 1849. 
After the war he received a Government clerkship in the Quartermaster 
General's Department at Washington, holding the position for several 
years, pursuing in the meanwhile a law course of study in Columbia Col- 
lege, being admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia in 1868. In 
June, 1869, he went to Rockford, 111., and opened aia office for the practice 
of his profession, to which he is devoted, never having held office except 
that of City Attorney, to which he was elected in 1881 and 1883. He was 
married in March, 1879, to Edith Canmann, and together they live very 
happily. They have no children. 

The Major entered the army as a Douglas Democrat and remained a 
War Democrat to the close of the contest, sympathizing with President 
Johnson in his conflict with Congress. In 1880 he was the congressional 
standard-bearer of his party in the Fourth Illinois District, and was the 
recipient of all the honors that the Democracy of Will county could 
bestow. 

In times past Major Warner wielded a vigorous pen in political war- 
fare, but he has now eschewed all politics and confines himself strictly to 
his professional duties, and in consequence is rising day by day to an 
enviable reputation and a lucrative business. As a law student he was 
attentive and industrious; as a practitioner he is forcible, energetic and 
reliable; as a soldier he was brave and conscientious in the performance 
of duty, and as a man he was honored and respected — possessing a genial 
nature that is attractive and wins confidence and friends. He is a member 
of Nevin's Post, G. A. R., in Rockford, 111., and is " wont to set the table in 
a roar " with some of his war experiences. 

First Lieutenant William Baxter. Was wounded May I6th, 
1864, at the battle of Drury's Bluff. Va., through both thighs, and was 
taken prisoner. He was a patient in the Pemberton hospital at Rich- 
mond; was exchanged August 13th, 1864. Is living at Wilmington, 111. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E— OFFICERS. 453 

Second Lieutenant Norman C. Warner. Promoted First 
Lieutenant May 26th, 1862, vice AYhipple, promoted. 

Second Lieutenant Jolnn Conley. Resigned August 8th, 1862. 

John Conley was born of Irish parents in the city of London, Eng- 
land, March 19th, 1838. His parents crossed the Atlantic four years later, 
and settled for a time in Toronto, Canada, then removed to Buffalo, N. Y., 
and from there, in the year 1849, they found their way to Wilmington, 111. 
The subject of this sketch received a fair country-school education, after 
which he became a brickmaker and builder. 

The stormy days of Secession early in 1861 found young Conley 
at Natchez, Miss., with a gang of mechanics. The spirit of Secession was 
rampant in that region, and enlistments were rapid and numerous for the 
Confederate army. South Carolina had already seceded and the Mississip- 
pians swore that they would not stand idly by and see their sister State 
whipped into the Union. Young Conley, more outspoken than discreet, 
expressed his Union sentiments openly, and at a drill meeting sarcasti- 
cally remarked, "Yes, learn to 'about face' by all means. You'll have need 
of it before long." Conley was spotted that very night. A friend warned 
him of his danger, and within two days he had shaven off his whiskers, 
donned a Sunday suit and silk hat and gotten north of Mason and Dixon's 
line in safety. Ere many months he was active in recruiting for the "Flor- 
ence RiHes," which afterward became Company E of the Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois. At the company election he was chosen Orderly Sergeant. He 
delighted in drilling the company, and it may truthfully be said that he 
was very popular with his company, and his superiors in rank. He was 
promoted Second Lieutenant vice Warner, promoted, and proved a capa- 
ble and efficient officer. 

But in all these experiences, that insidious foe, consumj^tion, wa^ 
assaulting the young soldier's life. His haemorrhages from the lungs at Sir 
John's Run, and at WMlliamsport, were frequent and frightful, and with 
great reluctance he was forced to resign his commission and go home to 
die. He was an invalid for the next four years. " I've only got the ghost 
of a chance to live longer," said he in July, 1867, " and I'm going to take 
advantage of the ghost; I'm going to California." He went (by water), 
and survived but a fortnight after his arrival, dying August 19th, 1867, at 
the age of twenty-nine years and seven months. He is buried at Wilming- 
ton, 111., near the regimental monument in Oakwood Cemetery. 

Second Lieutenant Eiisina Kingsbury. Wounded May I6th, 

1864, at the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., in the arm, which shattered 
the bone so severely that amputation became necessary. Mustered 
out of service October 16th, 1864, by reason of disability. 

Lieutenant Kingsbury while on Morris Island, S. C. was detached 
from his company to the Requa Battery, serving with Lieutenant Wheeler. 
He was an excellent soldier and made a popular officer. When last heard 
from he was living at lola, Kansas. 



454 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Second Lieutenant George A. Clark. Could not muster. 
Mustered out as Sergeant December 6th, 1(^65. I 

Nothing further is known of Lieutenant Clark. 

First Sergeant John Conley. Enlisted from Wilmington Sep- 
tember 24:th, 1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant May 26th, 1862, 
vice Warner, promoted. 

Sergeant Elisha Kingsbury. Enlisted from Wilmington Sep- 
tember 12th, 1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant January 23d, 1863, 
vice Conley, resigned. Veteran. 

Sergeant John L. Ripple. Enlisted October 28th, 1861. Pro- 
moted to Sergeant January 16th, 1862. Captured May 9th, 1862, near 
Columbia Bridge, Va. Taken to Libby prison, Richmond; thence to 
Salisbury, N. C; and then to Belle Isle, Va. Paroled September 13th, 
1862. Taken prisoner again May 16th, 1864, at the battle of Drury's 
Bluff, Va., and sent to Andersonville, Ga. Paroled at Savannah 
November 19th, 1864. Promoted First Lieutenant vice Warner, mus- 
tered out. 

Sergeant William E. Steele. Enlisted from Chicago October 
2d, 1861. Promoted January 16th, 1862, from the ranks. Killed 
October 13th, 1864, at the battle of Darbytown Cross-Roads. (See 
account of that battle.) 

Sergeant David M. Hanson. Enlisted from Wilmington Sep- 
tember 12th, 1861. Promoted January 16th, 1862. Taken prisoner 
May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Died at Andersonville, Ga., by 
reason of wounds received at a railway accident in transportation, 
October 22d, 1864. 

Corporal T. D. Gronigal. Enlisted from Wilmington September 
12th, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Sergeant May 9th, 1863. Wounded 
and taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Died June 9th, 1864, at Petersburg, Va., from his wounds. 

Corporal William Brown. Enlisted from Chicago September 
27th, 1861. Veteran. Was detailed to the regimental band. 

Corporal John W. Whitman. Enlisted from Concord Septem- 
ber 28th, 1861. Mustered out September 27th 1864, at expiration of 
service. 

Corporal William Baxter. Enlisted from Wilmington September 
12th, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Sergeant November 1st, 1864; to 
First Sergeant January 1st, 1865; to First Lieutenant June 6th, 1865. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Corporal George W. Burton. Enlisted from Wilmington Sep- 
tember 20th, 1861. Veteran. Wounded in both thighs August 16th, 
1864, at Deep Run, Va. Promoted Sergeant November 1st, 1864. 
Killed April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 



Privates. 

Andreas, William. Enlisted from Wesley September 1st, 1861. 
Wounded October 3d, 1863, at Fort Wagner, S. C. Discharged May 
16th, 1864, for disability. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E— PRIVATES. 455 

Anderson, Alex. Enlisted February 23d, 18(55. Killed April 2d, 
lSt)5, at Fort Gregg, Va. 

Axtell, Theodore F. Enlisted from Wesley February 27th, 1864. 
Wounded August Ifith, 1864, at the battle of Deep Run, Va., and at 
Darby town Cross-Roads, Va., October 13th, 1864. Promoted Corporal 
April 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Blakesley, Samuel C. Enlisted from Durham September 18th, 

1861. Deserted. 

Baker, Lawrence. Enlisted September 18th,1861. Veteran. Wound- 
ed May ICth. 1864, at the battle of Drury's Blufif, Va. Taken prisoner, 
and died June 9th, 1864, at Richmond, Va. 

Bogart, Walter. Enlisted from Wilmington September 17th, 1861. 
Killed October 12th, 1863, at Fort Gregg, S. C. 

Button, Lorenz. Enlisted from Wilmington October 2d. 1861. Dis- 
charged for disability in 1862. Is living at Wilmington, 111. 

Benton, Silas. Enlisted from Wilmington August 12th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Killed May 14th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Barton, Samuel A. Enlisted from Bloomington, December 16th, 

1862. Discharged July 4th, 1863, for disability. 

BabCOCk, Ralph. Enlisted from Chicago March 8th. 1864. Wounded 
< tctober 7th, 1864, near Chapin's Farm, Va. Killed April 2d, 1865, at 
the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 

Batchelder, Samuel C Enlisted from W'ilmington December 21st, 

1863. Discharged June 3d, 1865, under order of War Department. 

Bohmler, William. Enlisted from Chicago September 26th, 1864. 

Discharged June 20th, 1865. 
Beam, Charles W. Enlisted from Gaines April 13th, 1865, at the 

age of fifteen years. 

Beam endeavored to get into the service earlier, but could not on 
account of his age. He joined the regiment at Richmond, Va.; did guard 
duty at Richmond and City Point, Va.; was detailed as a messenger 
for the telegraph service at Norfolk. After leaving the service he attended 
a select school for six months, after which he decided to become a printer 
and entered the office of the Joliet Republican. In 1869 he went to Chicago 
to work for Rand. McNally & Co. In 1876 he went to Will county. 111., to 
run a farm belonging to his father. A little practical experience in farm- 
ing soon changed his notions, and in 1878 he returned to his trade, which 
he has followed since and is now with Rand, McNally & Co., Chicago, 111. 

Baldwin, Charles. Enlisted from Chicago, September 28th, 1861, 
under the name of Charles Creamer, in order to elude his guardian 
and get into the service. Discharged September 18th, 1862. for dis- 
ability. Is living at Lawndale, near Chicago. 

Brown, William A. Enlisted April 11th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Baker, Levi. Enlisted April 13th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 



456 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Cannon, John. Enlisted from Wilmington October 21st, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Discharged November 20th, 1865, for disability. 

Conley, James. Enlisted October 28th, 1861. Deserted. 

Casey, John. Enlisted March 11th, 1864. Joined the regiment at 
Camp Grant, Arlington Heights, Va. Was promoted Cori^oral. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Verona, 111. 

Clark, James. Enlisted from Channahon December 22d, 1863. Killed 
August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Corbett, Frank M. Enlisted February 24th, 1864. Wounded May 
20th, 1864, at Wier Bottom church, Va. Is living at Wilmington, 111. 
(His name in the Adjutant-General's report is John M.) 

Clark, George A. Enlisted from Sheldon September 28th. 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal February 25th, 1863; to Sergeant January 
1st, 1865; to Second Lieutenant October 6th, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Cubberly, William C. Enlisted April 4th, 1865. Mustered out 
May 27th, 1865. 

Dagan, Patrick. Enlisted from Wilmington September 25th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded, and supposed killed, October 13th, 1864, at battle 
of Darbytown Cross-Roads. 

Dugan, Michael. Enlisted from Wilmington October 2d, 1861. De- 
serted October, 1861. 

Daily, John. Enlisted October 2d, 1 861. Deserted October, 1861. 

Dunn, George H. Enlisted from Rockville October 6th, 1861. 
Wounded May 20th, 1864, at battle of Wier Bottom church, Va. Ab- 
sent from company since that date. Supposed to have deserted. 

Dannable, William J. Enlisted from Wesley March 2d. 1864. 
Wounded in the neck August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Dis- 
charged by Order 94, War Dejiartment. 

Dunham, Gideon. Enlisted April 12th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Ely, William W. Enlisted from Concord September 28th, 1861. 
Transferred to Compaliy F as musician January 1st, 1864. 

Ely enlisted in the Tenth Indiana Volunteers for the three months' 
service; served then in West Virginia, under McClellan and Rosencrans; 
and was wounded at the battle of Rich Mountain, July 11th, 1862; was also 
wounded on Morris Island, S. C, by a fragment of shell while on detail 
with the Requa Battery. He re-enlisted as veteran, and was again wounded 
at Bermuda Hundred, Va., while helping a wounded man off the field. Ely 
was born at Lithopolis, Fairfield county, Ohio, August 26th, 1845, and was 
only fifteen years of age when he first entered the service. He served alto- 
gether four years and seven months, and had not yet attained his majority. 
He did excellent service in whatever ijosition he was placed, and especially 
in the stretcher corps on the field of battle. At Drury's Bluflf, Va., he with 
William H. Brown carried Major Linton off the field under many difficul- 
ties, and came very near being captured by the enemy, who had already 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E— PRIVATES. 457 

got between them and our troops. He is living at Iroquois. 111., engaged 
in the practice of law. 

Ely relates that when he left the service in December, 186.5, he went 
into the ministry, and on one occasion, while on his way to fill an appoint- 
ment to preach, he met with a couple of rough characters who commenced 
to jeer and scoff at him; and forgetting all about his position and the 
sacred work he was engaged in, he got down from the horse he was riding, 
jerked off his coat and whipped both of the rowdies, and so badly, too, 
that they required help to remount their steeds. He then went on and 
filled his appointment; buf afterwards, in thinking over the disgraceful 
affair, he became so filled with remorse and regret as well as ashamed of 
his hasty and unministerial conduct, that he left the ministry and turned 
his attention to the law, where if the "old Adam " in him ever manifested 
itself it would be more in harmony with his profession, and better appre- 
ciated. 

Evans Joseoh S. Enlisted from Wesley December 21st, 1863. 
Wounded in "he neck August 16th, 1864, at the battle of Deep Run. 
Va Promoted to Corporal January 1st, 1865. and to Sergeant May 
31st, 1865. Detailed as acting Commissary Sergeant, which position 
he filled to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Subsequently 
was detailed as acting Sergeant Major. Finally he was promoted to 
Commissary Sergeant vice Frisbie. Mustered out December bth, 
1865. 
Elick, Joseph. Enlisted February 25th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 
Flynn, William. Enlisted from Chicago September 28th. 1861. Died 

January 10th, 1864. at Beaufort. S. C. 
Flowers, Andrew J. Enlisted from Sheldon, September 28th. 1861. 

Deserted in October, 1861. 
Flowers, Lewis. Enlisted October 17th. 1864. Discharged October' 

18th, 1865. 
Finley, William J. Enlisted from Jefferson county April 4th. 1865. 

Discharged May 27th, 1865. 
Gillett, Henry. Enlisted from Wesley November 13th, 1861. Died 

February, 1862, in hospital. 
Gillett, James. Enlisted from Wesley Kovember 13th,^861. W^^^^^^^ 
May 16th, 1864, at the battle of Drury s Bluff, ^ a. Died ot wouna. 
August 17th. 1864. 
Grice, Daniel S. Enlisted October 15th. 1861. (Record imperfect). 
Grav Alexander. Enlisted from Wilmington October «\h, 1861 
^ ^N-ounded ruguS 16th. 1864. at^ battle of Deep Run, ^ a. ^ eteran. 

Mustered out December 6th. 1865. 
HPrtzoe- Charles W. Enlisted from Rockville September 20th.l861. 
" Sfs'feried to Vet^an Reserve Corps. November 16th. 1864. 

Harsh, J. O. Enlisted from Rockville September 27th, 1861. Mus- 
tered out September 27th. 1864. at expiration of service. 



458 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Hudson, Charles C Enlisted from Wilmington September 17th, 
1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal in 1864. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Hudson is living at Hegewisch, 111., engaged in the market business, 
and lately received the appointment of postmaster. 

HertzOg, William F. Enlisted from Rockville, September 20th, 
1861. Wounded in thigh May 20th, 1864. Killed June 18th, 1864, near 
Wier Bottom church, Va. 

Howell, Daniel. Enlisted from Wilmington October 2d, 1861. Dis- 
charged for disability (date unknown). 

Hawath, John. Enlisted from Chicago October 2d, 1861. Deserted 
in February, 1862. 

Howe, Calvin H. Enlisted from St. Louis, Mo., October 2d, 1861. 
Deserted January 30th, 1862. 

Howe, Hermann H. Enlisted from St. Louis, Mo., October 26th, 
1861. Deserted January 30th, 1862. 

Hademan, M. V. Enlisted from Wilmington November 13th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded June 2d, 1864, near Wier Bottom Church, Va., and 
April 9th, 1865, at Appomattox Coart-House, Va., being one of the 
last men to be wounded at the close of the war. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Hartman, George. Enlisted February 22d, 1865. Discharged May 
3d, 1865. 

Hayworth, George. Enlisted February 22d, 1865. Taken prisoner 
April 9th, 1865, at Appomattox Court-House; paroled the same day. 
One of the last men to be captured by the Army of Northern Virginia. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Howell, George. Enlisted from Wesley December 31st, 1863. 
Wounded in the hand and side October 13th, 1864; hand was ampu- 
tated. Discharged March 30th, 1865, for disability. 

Hull, Samuel F. Enlisted from Chicago February 27th, 1864. De- 
tailed to the regimental band. Is living at Morris, 111. 

Hazzard, Monroe. Enlisted from Chicago March 24th, 1864. Was 
on detached service for a long period as Orderly to General Osborn 
and others. Is living at Wilmington, 111., engaged in the saloon 
business. 

Ingleman, Augustus. Enlisted from Cicero March 7th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Jewett, William O. L. Enlisted from Wesley September 12th, 1861. 
Jewett was one of the first to enlist and enter Camp Mather, Chicago; 
was soon sent back to his old home on recruiting service. In July, 1862, 
he was sent to the hospital at Washington, D. C, very much broken in 
health. On recovery, was sent to Rhode Island, remaining there until 
discharged from the service, June 6th, 1863. He is a native of Maine. His 
grandparents on both sides participated in the Revolutionary struggle. 
During his infancy his parents removed to Will county, Illinois. There he 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E— PRIVATES. 459 

grew to manhood on a farm. He acquired much of his education at home 
but completed it at Aurora Seminary, Illinois. 

After Jewett left the regiment he took up the study of law with Judge 
Parks of Joliet, but again became impatient to participate in the war, and 
re-enlisted at Camp Butler, 111., and was sent to Memphis in command of 
five hundred substitutes. Returning from Memphis he was sent to New 
York, and from there to Savannah with the First Illinois Artillery, to join 
Sherman's army. From New York to Savannah he was on the boat with 
General Logan which was chased by the rebel privateer, the famous - Tal- 
lahassee." He remained with Sherman until the surrender, participated 
in the grand review at Washington, and returned home. 

Entering the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, he graduated in 
1866, and in 1867 went to Shelbina. Shelby county. Mo., and engaged in the 
practice of the law. In 1870 he stumped the county for the Liberal Repub- 
lican ticket and enfranchisement. In 1876 he was elected prosecutmg 
attorney and two years later re-elected. In 1881 he became associated with 
the Shelbina Democrat, as editor, and in 1886 was elected to the legislature 
on the Democratic ticket. In 1888 was re-elected with a largely mcreased 
majority. 

Jarkson Charles A. Enlisted from Florence February 28th. 18(;4. 
Wounded August iSh. 1864, and arm amputated. Discharged No- 
vember 7th, 1864, for disability. 
Johnson James M. Enlisted from Chicago February 26th, 1864. 
Defau'edtoTe regimental band. Is living at Towsontown, Maryland, 
clerking. 
Johnston, Howard. Enlisted from Channahon Marchjth 186^^^ 
Wounded May 16th, 1864. at battle of I^^^^^^ ^^^luff \ a and suffere^^ 
amputation of arm. Discharged November 21st, 1864, for disability. 
Is living at Laclede, Kansas. 
Kinnev Thomas. Enlisted from Wilmington October 2d. 1861. 
"^oundld inThe hand August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run. \ a. 
Discharged June 20th, 1865, for disability. 
Karr Elisha. Enlisted from Iroquois county October 28th, 1861. 

Killed May 14th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff. \ a. 
Kellev William T. Enlisted from Wesley Noveniber 13th 1861. 
Promoted Corporal May 1st, 1863; to Sergeant March 1st, 1865. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 
K-^llv Inhn Enlisted from Orbisonia, Pa., February 12th. 1862. 
^^"^^ui?e^d"iuneMth,l864, in shoulder. P-moted Corporal January 
1st, 1864. Wounded in leg and side August 16th. Ihfa4. Died or 
wounds October 31st, 1864, in hospital. 
Kahler, Lloyd W. Enlisted February 24th. 1864. Mustered out 

December 6th, 1865. 
Kelly, William. Enlisted February 21st, 1865. Mustered out Decern- 

ber 6th. 1865. 
Kelsey, Albert. Enlisted March 30th, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 



460 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Kitchens, Chapman. Enlisted April 12th, I865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Laughlin, John. Enlisted from Huntington, Pa.. February 1st 1862 
Died February 11th, 1862, in hospital, of typhoid fever. 

Lyons, Sydney. Enlisted from Florence September 12th, 1861 Vet- 
eran. Abounded in jaw October 13th. 1864, at battle of Darbytown 
Cross-Roads. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Lee, DitSOn. Enlisted from Essex February 24th, 1864. Taken pris- 
oner May 16th, 1864. at Drury's Bluff, Va.; paroled at Savannah, Ga., 
^ovember 19th, 1864. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Levally, Charles T. Enlisted from Chicago March 14th 1864 
founded severely in the right foot September 10th. 1864, 'before 
Petersburgh, Va. Is living in Chicago; a member of Weitzel Post, 

(jr. A. K. 

Lansing, John. Enlisted February 26th, 1865. Deserted August 5th, 
1865. 

Milliman, M. W. Enlisted from Wesley September 12th, 1861 Vet- 
. eran. Promoted Sergeant May 26th, 1862; First Sergeant January 
1st. 1863; and to Captain December 9th, 1864, vice AVhipple, mustered 
out. I L ^ 

Milks, Hermann. Enlisted from Gardner September 12th. 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal March 1st, 1865. 

Merrill, Almon. Enlisted from Florence September 12th. 1861 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal March 4th, 1864. Wounded May 16th' 
1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Died of wounds July 16th, 1864, in hos- 
pital. 

Monroe, James. Enlisted from Florence September 17th. 1861 
Veteran. Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff. Va. 

McCollum, Alex. Enlisted from Gardner September 14th, 1861. 
Transferred to Company A. 

Mayer, Moses. Enlisted from Florence September 21st, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded in thighs at Wier Bottom church,. Va. 

Morgan, George M. Enlisted from Sheldon September 25th, 1861. 
\\ounded and taken prisoner May 16th. 1864. at Drury's Bluflf. Va; 
paroled and exchanged. Mustered out February 2d, 1864, at expira- 
tion of service. 

McMaster, James. Enlisted from Wilmington October 6th 1861 
Died December 9th, 1861, at WiUiamsport, Md. 

Musselman, Ephraim. Enlisted from Pittsburg, October 28th 
1861. Died October 16th, 1864, of typhoid fever. 

Mahan, John. Enlisted from Pittsburg, Pa., February 24th 1861 
Deserted April 20th, 1862. . . • 

Morey, Oscar R. Enlisted from Florence February 24th, 1864. Pro- 
moted Corporal May 16th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th. 1865. 
Is living at Gilman, 111. 

Meyher, Caleb. Enlisted January 13th, 1864. Wounded June 18th, 
1.S64, near Wier Bottom church, Va. Mustered out December 6th 
1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E— PRIVATES. 401 



Martin, William. Enlisted from Chicago, March 8th lf^(U Mus- 
tered out with regiment at expiration of service December .>th, 1865. 
Is living at Gunnison, Utah. 
Monroe John. Enlisted from Florence February22d,18G4. Wound- 
•^ ed May "uh. 18.U, at Wier Bottom church. Ya. Takeii prisoner 
tnril 9th. 1865; paroled same day at Appomattox Court-House, \ a. 
Discharged April 2(;th, 1865. Is living at Idaho City, Idaho Ter. 
Mallett Cvran. Enlisted from Chicago March 24th, 1864. Wounded 
•^ dctobe:- mh i864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads. Deserted October 3d, 

1}S65. 
Miller, William. Enlisted February 24th, 1865. Mustered out De- 

cember 6th, 1865. 
Mills, Andrew P. Enlisted from Beaver Creek April 12th, 186.5. 

Mustered out December 6th, I860. 
Molc^nn James W. Enlisted from Wilmington September 12th 
•^^ I?bl'. vtSan. Promoted Corporal November 1st, 1865. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 

Nelson was among the number detached from the company to rem- 
force ctTany G at Gi^at Cacapon, January 4th, 1862. Is a sufferer^rom 
rheumatism which originated at the time he was forced to wade the Poto 
mac at that point. Is living at Rensselaer, Ind. 
Nobles, James R. Enlisted from Wilmington February 23d, 1864. 

Mustered out December 6th, I860. 
O'Harra, Henry. Enlisted from Wesley March 1st, 1864. Mustered 
out December 6th, I860. 

Ohlhues, Henry. .Enlisted ^^ou^.^^^renc^ 

Severely wounded m the breast ^^/^ ,-*'7.\,^* ^ '.^ 
church, Ya. Killed at Fort Gregg, Ya., April 2d, 18bo. 

m/mHokv, H Fnlisted from Evanston March loth, 

Pennington, William H. \^^fJ^.?^/„" any bugler at Bermuda _ 

iS^dre?ril"te\\d^rrecerrXl875^ L lining at Doland, 

PorteTl C. -nstedfromWilmi^tcmOct^r2d^^ J^^ 

May 20th, 1864, near Wier bottom churc^^,V a ^ ^^ 

town Cross-Roads O^^tober 13th, 1864 Promo ^^i^^tered out 

16th, 1864, and Sergeant .June 1st, I860, veterai 
December 6th, 1865. 

, . -1 on^K isfio Mustered out December 

Perry, John J. Enlisted Apnl 24th, i860. Alu^teieu 

6th, 1865. iflcq 

Rogers, Alpheus WE.,«e..o^We.e,Dece„^^^^^ 

RiDDle William B. E.H.ted from Orbisonia, Pa., Februar, 1st, 

The remains were sent home and he buriea 
Huntington, Pa. 



462 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

'^^'Isn^' vTf^°"'^f' -f "V'lf^ ^'■*''° Wilmington September 17th, 
1861. Veteran. Accidentally wounded in March, 1864. 

Raleigh is living at Watson, Atchison county. Mo., engaged in rail- 
roading. 

^'^^femb^'^S?^'^" ^""^'^^^^ February 12th, 1862. Deserted in Sep- 

Sackett, Edward A. Enlisted from Chicago October 10th. 1861 
Veteran. Detailed to the regimental band, 

Sackett was a traveling drug-salesman for Merrell & Co., of Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, in 1873 and was living somewhere in Missouri. Not heard from 
since that time. 

•^*^%!?lf 'l8^^ ^; <J"'^'u^^^T^'^}if' ^^*^' ^^^^- Taken prisoner May 
26th. 1862, at Strasburgh, Va. (Not mentioned in the Adiutant Gen- 
erals report.) •" 

Sheffler, M. F. Enlisted from Rockville September 27th 1861 
Wounded in the head August 16th, 1863, at Fort Wagner, S C Mus- 
tered out September 27th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Sheffler was wounded in the head by a fragment of shell which caused 
depression of the bone, and after leaving the service he began to suffer 
from the effects of it. In 1870 he became partly paralyzed. His skull was 
trephined by Dr. Clark, and the bone raised, getting relief for a time. He 
submitted to a second operation, but died soon after, in 1871. 

Snee, Hugh R. Enlisted from Rockville September 27th, 1861 Vet- 
eran. Wounded in the cheek May 16th. 1864, at Drury's Bluff Va 
9^:? i"?// ^i'^'T*'"-. ^««^P«<i f^-om Andersonville prison September 
22d, 1864. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Deselm, lU. 

Stewart, Thomas. Enlisted from Wilmington September 20th, 1861 
V eteran. W ounded and taken prisoner October 13th, 1864, at battle 
of Darby town Cross-Roads, Va.; paroled, and died in hospital at 
Annapolis, Md. ^ 

Smith, Charles M. Enlisted from Wilmington September 20th, 1861 
Discharged February 14th, 1863, for disability. 

Sartell, Henry E. Enlisted from W^ilmington October 27th 1861 
]^lV^t-T. P^'O^^oted Corporal May 1st, 1863. Wounded August 16th," 
1864, at Deep Run, Va. Discharged March 30th, 1865. 

Slayton, Reuben. Enlisted from Chicago March 27th, 1864. W-Qunded 
date "^ ^^^^ ^*^^^' ^^^'^' ^^^^"^^ ^'°™ ^"'^ company since that 

Slayton has been a prominent officer on the Chicago police force, in 
the detective department. Is living in Chicago. 

Stanton, William. Enlisted from Rockville February 24th 1864 
Was detailed as Commissary of Subsistence. 

Sailor, Randolph. Enlisted from Bear Creek April 13th, 1865. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

StOVal, Eden. Enlisted February 25th, 1865. Wounded April 9th, 1865 
at Appomattox Court-House, Va. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY E— PRIVATES. 463 

Smith, Samuel. Enlisted February '25th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember (ith, lcSt)5. 

Thayer, George. Enlisted from Wilmington September 17th, 1861. 
Veteran. Captured September 2d, 1862, at Bull Run, Ya. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 
VandebOgart, James. Enlisted from Florence February 22d, 1864. 
Promoted Corporal August 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 
Wayne, Thomas. Enlisted from Chicago March 9th. 1864. Mustered 

out December 6th. 1865. 
Webber, George A. Enlisted from Chicago March 8th. 1864. 
Wounded in hand October 7th. 1864: finger amputated. Discharged 
August 21st, 1865, by order War Department. 
Walrath, William. Enlisted March 24th, 1864. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. Is living at Wilmington, 111. 
Wilson, John T. Enlisted April llth, 1865. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 
Ware, Charles W. Enlisted September 14th, 1861. Promoted Cor- 
poral November 20th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 
Weiner, John. Enlisted from Wilmington October 6th, 1861. Veteran. 
Discharged November 20th, 1865, for disability. (Winn, m Adjutant 
General's report.) 
Whiteman, John W. Enlisted from Concord September 28th, 1861. 
Discharged September 27th, 1864, for disability. Is living at Iro- 
quois, 111. 



464 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



SUMMAEY OF CASUALTIES, EtC. 

Killed in battle 11 

Died of wounds .* 5 

Wounded 41 

Lost limbs 7 

Died of disease 7 

Died in prison 3 

Taken prisoner 13 

Deserted 16 

Discharged for disability 25 

Transferred 3 

Mustered out at expiration of service 4 

Number originally enlisted 58 

Recruits 78 

Re-enlisted 42 

Mustered out with regiment 59 

Known to be living, October, 1888 24 

Note. — The Roster of Company E is very imperfect in the Adjutant General's] 
report — names mis-spelled, omitted and transposed. There is also no Roster of the Ser- 
geants except the First Sergeant. 



CHAPTER XXYIII. 



Company F— How Recruited— Roster and Biography— Summary of Casual- 
ties, etc. 



T 



History of Company F. 

HE manner of recruiting Company F was not unlike that 
by which the other companies were brought into the 
service. Orrin L. Mann has the credit of enlisting the first 
body of men who formed the nucleus of the company which 
afterwards took the letter F in the regiment. He was very 
active in this direction until he aspired to the position of 
Major, when his recruits were turned over to Amasa Kenni- 
cott, who continued the recruiting and was elected Captain. 
The men forming the company were principally from Cook, 
Lake, and McLean counties, and mostly farmers. They 
were a fine body of men and did most excellent service 
during the war. 

The company history runs parallel Avith that of the 
regiment. It first met the enemy at Alpine Station, Ya., on 
January 4th, 1862, being the most advanced company at 
that post on the road leading to Bath. On the approach of 
the rebel cavalry from Bath this company, which was sta- 
tioned at the summit of the mountain road from Alpine, fell 
back until it joined Company A, where they most effectually 
routed a large squadron of Ashby's cavalry. Forty of the 
original members re-enlisted as veteran volunteers at Hilton 
Head, S., C. in January, 1864, and forty-five members of the 
company returned home at the muster-out of the regiment, 
of which number twenty-six are known to be living in vari- 
ous parts of the country. 



46£ 



466 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Captain Amasa Kennicott became tired of the " pomp 
and circnmstance of war," resigning his position in August, 
1862. He was succeeded by John W. Mcintosh, who was 
dismissed from the service early in 1863. Lieutenant A. B. 
Hoffman was then promoted to the vacancy, but left the ser- 
vice at the expiration of his three years' term. The com- 
pany came home under the able leadership of Captain E. S. 
Botsford. 

The company made a good record, and the surviving 
members may well feel a just pride in its military history. 



EosTEE OF Company F. 

Captain Amasa Kennicott. Commissioned August 27th, 1861. 
Resigned August 7th, 1862. 

Repeated efforts have failed to awaken Kennicott to a realizing sense 
of what was required of him in order to make his record complete. He 
is living somewhere iu Cook county — some say " The Grove," others that 
Oak Glen is his postoffice address. Letters addressed to both places 
have no response. After leaving the service he engaged in the horticul- 
tural business in its season, and taught school winters. " Brevity is the 
soul of wit." 

Captain John W. Mcintosh. Dismissed from the service May 
30th, 1863. Is living at Topeka, Kansas. 

Captain Adolphus B. Hoffman. Mustered out December 30th, 

1864. 

Nothing whatever is known concerning the whereabouts of the Cap- 
tain since he left the service. He was a very capable officer and much 
respected by his comrades. 

Captain R. S. Botsford. Commissioned March 31st, 1865, vice 
Hoffman, mustered out. 

Captain Botsford was born at Albany, N. Y.. July, 1833, and came West 
to Waukegan, Lake county, 111., in 1854. At the breaking out of the war 
he was engaged in the grocery business, but sold out and enrolled his name 
as a private in the Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry; but before 
muster he was offered a commission as Second Lieutenant in the Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois, provided he recruited twenty-tive men for Company F. 
This he accomplished and was mustered into the regiment February 1st, 
1864, when the regiment was at Chicago on its veteran furlough. 

Botsford's first experience in confronting the enemy was at Drury's 
Bluflf, Va., May 16th, 1864. He was wounded in the leg June 20th, at the 



FOSTER OF COMPANY F— OFFICERS. 467 

battle of Wier Bottom church, by a fragment of shell. He was taken sick 
with typhoid fever after the battle of Deep Run, Va., August 16th, 18()4, 
and was sent to general hospital and given "leave of absence" home when 
able to travel. He reached home in time to vote for Lincoln. January 
1st, 1865, he received his commission as Captain and continuously followed 
the fortunes of the Thirty-Ninth until the final muster-out. Returning to 
his home he was soon elected to the shrievalty of Lake county and satis- 
factorily filled the oflftce for the term. Afterwards he became the agent of 
the American Express Company at that place. In 1882 he removed with 
his family to Huron, Dakota, where he now resides. 

First Lieutenant John W. McIntOsFl. Commissioned August 
7th, 1861. Promoted Captain August 7th, 1862, vice Kennicott, 
resigned. 

First Lieutenant Patrick Seary. Resigned July 8th, 1863. 

First Lieutenant R. S. Botsford. Promoted Captain January 
1st, 1865. 

First Lieutenant William T. Moore. Wounded June 5th. 
1864, near Petersburg, Va., in the right shoulder. Mustered out with 
the regiment December 6th, 1865. 

William T. Moore was born in England January 20th, 1826, and emi- 
grated to the United States in 1848, going to Milwaukee, Wis.; remained 
there until the following spring, when he removed to Waukesha county, and 
from there to Chicago, and was engaged in contracting for public works. 
When the war commenced he was occupied at ditching in Rock Island 
county. It was his intention to have enlisted in the cavalry, but on learn- 
ing that his brother had enlisted in the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, he changed 
his purpose and also enHsted in the same company and regiment, and has 
never regretted that he did so. He re-enlisted as a veteran and followed 
the regiment in all of its movements to the close of the war. He is now 
living at Rockton, W'innebago county. 111. 

First Lieutenant William W. Lamb. Wounded in the foot 
August 16th, 1864. Killed at Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865. 

Second Lieutenant Patrick Seary. Commissioned August 

15th, 1861. Promoted First Lieutenant August 7th, 1862, vice Mcin- 
tosh, promoted. 

Second Lieutenant A. B. Hoffman. Promoted Captain March 
30th, 1863. rice Mcintosh, dismissed the service. 

Second Lieutenant Nathan E. Davis. Wounded in the side 
and arm, October 13th, 1864, at battle of Darbytown Cross-Roads. 
Suffered exsection of four inches of the bone of the arm. Died of 
his wounds November 16th, 1864, in general hospital. 

Second Lieutenant R. S. Botsford. Commissioned February 
1st, 1864. Promoted First Lieutenant August 13th, 1864. 

First Sergeant A. B. Hoffman. Enlisted from Sandoval August 
12th, 1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant August 1st, 1862. 



468 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Sergeant William J. Abbott. Enlisted from Sandoval August 
12th, IStil. Discharged August 27th, 1862, for disability. 

Sergeant Patrick Seary. Enlisted from Sandoval August 15th, 
18G1. Promoted Second Lieutenant November loth, 1861. 

Sergeant Barney Mulvaney. Enlisted from Sandoval August 
13th. 1861. Discharged July 27th, 1862, for disability. 

Sergeant John P. Ballard. Enlisted from Bloomington August 
12th. 1861. Reduced to the ranks April 1st, 1864. Veteran. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Sergeant Dwight Preston. Enlisted from Centralia August 15th, 
1861. Veteran. Wounded May 20th, 1864, in arm. Discharged June 
1st, 1865, for disability. Is living at Goodings Grove, Illinois. 

Sergeant William W. Lamb. Enlisted from Sandoval August 
loth, 1861. Veteran. Promoted First Lieutenant April 1st. 1865. 

Sergeant Nathan E. Davis. Enlisted from Chicago August 22d, 
1861. Veteran. Promoted Second Lieutenant August 5th, 1864. 

Sergeant William T. Moore. Promoted First Lieutenant May 
9th, 1865. 

Corporal S. W. Hoffman. Enlisted from Sandoval August 27th, 
1861. Promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant, and on August 5th, 
1864, received commission as First Lieutenant and Regimental 
Quartermaster. Veteran. 

Corporal Dwight Preston. Enlisted August 15th, 1861. Pro- 
moted Sergeant December 7th, 1862. 

Corporal William W. Lamb, Enlisted August 15th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Sergeant February 13th, 1862. 

Corporal William T. Moore. Promoted Sergeant August 5th, 
1864. 

Corporal Christopher E. Coursen. Enlisted from Sandoval 
August 16th, 1861. Promoted Sergeant August 30th, 1862, and to 
Quartermaster Sergeant June 5th, 1865, and transferred to non-com- 
missioned staff. Is now living at Coursen's Grove, Kansas. (See 
Non-Commissioned Stafif.) 

Corporal Nathan E. Davis. Enlisted August 22d, 1861. Pro- 
moted Sergeant November 1st, 1862. 



Privates. 

Arlt, Otto. Enlisted from Chicago August 6th, 1861. Mustered out 
September 10th, 1864, at exjjiration of service. 

Bailey, Robert. Enlisted from Chicago August 22d, 1861. Veteran. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Fulton, Ohio. 

Babbitt, George M. Enlisted from Centralia August 13th, 1861. Mus- 
tered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. Is living at 
North Platte, Neb. 

Babbitt, Joseph. Enlisted from Chicago September 4th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY F— PRIVATES. 4G9 

Baur, Henry. Enlisted from Elgin September 4th. 1861. Mustered 
out January, 1862. 

Broean Daniel. Enlisted from Benton, Mo., October 15th. 1861. 
Discharged December 18th, 1861, for disability. 

Brown, George. Enlisted from Sandoval August 15th, 1861. De- 
sert'ed April 18th, 1862. 

Barron, Dallas. Enlisted from Chicago December 29th. 1863. Mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Ri.rHirk Charles L. Enlisted from Antioch February 13th, 1864. 
p'SmotVd Corporal August 1st, 1865. Mustered out with regiment. 

Burdick, John H. Enlisted from Antioch February 13th. 1864. Is 
dead. 

Bias John A. Enlisted from Centralia August 13thl861. Veteran 
Promoted Corporal February 16th, 1862. Wounded May 20th and 
August 16th, 1864. (Is Jiio. N. Bras in the Adjutant-General s report.) 

Callahan Calvin. Enlisted August 10th. 1861. Veteran. Taken 
pds^ner M^y l'"h. 1864. at Drury's Bluff, Va. Died at AndersonviUe 
prison August 21st, 1864, of wounds. 

Carnenter- Charles. Enlisted September 17th. 1861. Veteran. 

^^'^^ounS Junel'Jh. 1864. in the arm. and -«--;!-"-- f.itbU- 
six inches of the bone. Discharged December 8th, 1864, for dl^abU 

ity from wounds. 

After the war Carpenter returned to Chicago, married, and went to 
work as gardener and teamster. Later on he became connected with the 
street cleaning department of Chicago. Is living on Twelfth street, 
Chicago. 

Deep Run, Va. 
Cole, Preston. Enlisted August loth, 1861. Died January 4th, 1862. 

16th, 1864. 
Casey, James. Enlisted September 20th, 1861. Discharged October 
22d. 1862, for disability. 

Iroquois coniitj. III., occupied as a tarmet. 
Campbell, Samuel. Enlisted Januat,- l«h, 180,4. wounded June 

18th 1864. Mustered out December 6th. 18bo. 
Crabtree, George W. Enlisted April 4th, 1865. Died May 3d, 

1865, in corps hospital at Richmond, \ a. 
Crabtree, John W. Enlisted April 4th, 1864. Deserted August .d. 

1865. at Norfolk. Va. 



470 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Dickinson, Josepin W. Enlisted from Chicago August 5th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Sergeant August 15th, 1864. Discharged by 
reason of promotion into the U. S. Colored troops in April, 186-1. 

Dickinson was detailed for duty as clerk in the Regimental Adjutant's 
office, serving until December, 1861, when he was sent back to Chicago on 
recruiting service, where he remained during the following winter and 
spring. On Folly Island, S. C, he was detailed to the Adjutant General's 
office of General Vogdes' command, then to General Terry's, and later to 
the headquarters of General Seymour. He re-enlisted as a veteran but did 
not accompany the regiment on its furlough home, being detached to 
accompany Seymour's expedition lo Florida. April 23d, 1864, he was com- 
missioned Captain in the Twenty-First Regiment U. S. Colored troops, and 
was on duty with his regiment in South Carolina until detached and placed 
on the staff of Brigadier-General Schimmilfinnig as acting Assistant Adju- 
tant-General, serving until the final capture and occupation of the city of 
Charleston. He was then ordered to Hilton Head, S. C, with his regiment, 
where he was detailed as provost-marshal of the military post and district. 
April 25th, 1866, he was honorably discharged from the service with the 
Colored troops and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Seven- 
teenth U. S. Infantry with rank from May 11th, 1866, and joined his 
regiment at Austin, Texas. June 11th, 1868, he was promoted to First 
Lieutenant in the Twenty-Sixth U. S. Infantry, and was appointed District 
Attorney of the Twelfth Judicial District, State of Texas, by military order 
from headquarters Fifth Military District, Brevet Major-General Reynolds 
commanding, and served as such until the final surrender of the State to 
the civil authorities. He resigned his commission in the U. S. army and 
was honorably discharged December 31st, 1870, when he was commissioned 
by the Governor of Texas District Attorney for the Thirty-third Judicial 
District and served until April, 1872; was also commissioned Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the Texas State Guards, and served with the troops during the 
existence of martial law in the State. In June, 1872, he returned to his 
former home in Chicago, 111., and turned his attention to the study of 
elocution, having decided upon that as a profession. After many years of 
patient, persistent effort the struggle with adverse circumstances has cul- 
minated in success, and his reputation throughout the Northwest as a 
public reader and teacher of elocution is as gratifying as it is well deserved. 
His new field of operations in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn., responds 
gratefully to his culture with flowers instead of weeds, and he gathers figs 
instead of thistles. His address is 13 Ninth street, South Minneapolis, 
Minnesota. 

Deviney, Philip S. Enlisted October 28th, 1861. Veteran. Killed 
April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 

Denline, John. Enlisted February 28th, 1864. 

Denline, John, Jr. Enlisted February 12th, 1864. 

Dobner, Henry. Enlisted February 29th. 1864. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY F— PRIVATES. 471 

nanelv Henry. Enlisted February 23d. 18G4. Wounded October 
13th,' 1S(U, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Discharged May 27th, 
1865, for disability from wounds. 
nnuo-las Aaron. Enlisted February 23d, 1864. Wounded September 
16th, 1864, in the breast, and again wounded October 7th, 1864, m the 
arm.' Died May 11th. 1865, from wounds. 
Drake John C. Enlisted February 23d, 1864. Promoted Corporal 

March 1st, 1865. Is living at Wood River, Neb. 
Davis, Charles O. Enlisted December 17th, 1863. Veteran recruit. 

Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 
nahner Leonard. Enlisted January 28th, 1864. Taken prisoner 
S?y l.Uh, 1864 at Drury's Bluff, Va. Paroled, and died December 
12th. 1864. from disease. 
Eigner, Lewis. Enlisted August 28th, 1861. Mustered out September 

lOth, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Ellis, William. Enlisted September 10th, 1861. Mustered out Sep- 
tember 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
EIv William W. Enlisted September 28th, 1861. Veteran. Trans- 

fen-ed from Company E, December, 1864. (See Company E.) 
Fiddler, Henry. Enlisted January 24th, 1864. Killed August 16th, 

1864, at Deep Run, Va. 
FiSCh, James. Enlisted February 27th, 1864. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 
Gosan, Jacob. Enlisted February 12th, 1864. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 
Grimes, Thomas. Enlisted February 8th, 1864. Deserted. 
Gosan, Christopher. Enlisted February 12th, 1864. Discharged 

September 16th, 4864, for disability. 
GladdiS, John. Enlisted April 14th, 1865. Deserted August 2d, 1865, 

at Norfolk, Va. 
Hall, Joseph. Enlisted August 22d, 1861. Discharged July, 1862, for 

disability. (Not in Adjutant General's report.) 
Harrison John. Enlisted from Sandoval September 6th, 1861. 
"^'wounded iay 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Died July 1st, 1864, 

from wounds. 
HarvPV LouiS Enlisted from Bloomington August 14th, 1861. 
"^ Wounded Auitt 16th, 1864, in the arm, amputation bemg necessary. 

Veteran. Mustered out for disability. 
Hayes, John B. Enlisted from Chicago August 15th, 1861. Veteran. 

Deserted, and died at his home March Ibth, 1864. 
Hayes, Stephen. Enlisted from Chicago August 5th, 1861. Deserted. 

--^-ni:^^1bt^l^S!V^r^Seh^t^^^ 
wounds in general hospital. 



472 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

HutchingS, John A. Enlisted from Northfield August 21st, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corjjoral January 1st, 1864. Wounded severely 
in the hand May 20th, 1864, at Wier Bottom church. Va. Reduced to 
the ranks at his own request. Is living at Oak Glen, 111., engaged in 
merchandising. 

Hamilton, Chester W. Enlisted from Goodale February 4th, 1864. 
Wounded August 14th, 1864, in the arm, at Deep Bottom, Va. 

Hauglebrock, William. Enlisted September 2d, 1864. Missing 
from the regiment since October 13th, 1864. Supposed to have been 
captured. (Not in Adjutant General's report.) 

Harvey, Henry. Enlisted from Avon February 29th, 1864. Dis- 
charged July 17th, 1865, for disability. 

Hawthorne, Ephraim W. Enlisted from Fredmont February 9th, 
1864. Promoted Sergeant-Major January 1st, 1865. Transferred to 
U. S. Colored troops for commission. 

Heirsagle, Joseph. Enlisted from Fremont January 28th, 1864. 
Deserted July 17th, 1864. 

Hewitt, Charles. Enlisted from Waukegan January 9th. 1864. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Hopkins, Benjamin B. Enlisted from Chicago March 27th, 1864. 
Killed in battle August 11th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. 

Isbester, John. Enlisted from Waukegan January 25th, 1864. Pro- 
moted Corporal August Ist, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Johnson, Frederick. Enlisted from Waukegan February 4th. 1864. 
Wounded August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Died August 24th, 
181)4, from wounds. 

Johnson, George. Enlisted August 5th, 1861. Discharged October 
16th, 1861, for disability. 

Joyce, Patrick F. Enlisted from Waukegan January 21st, 1864. 
Promoted Corjjoral June 7th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 

Kame, James M. Enlisted from Chicago August 22d, 1861. Taken 
prisoner May 1st, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va. Died September 23d, 
1862, at Annapolis, Md. 

Kemph, William. Enlisted from Lockport August 22d, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Kemph, Fred. Enlisted from Chicago September 28th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded in the arm May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluflf, 
Va. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Kame, Dennis. Enlisted from Sandoval August 15th, 1861. Died 
November 1st, 1861. 

Kelly, John. Enlisted from Waukegan February 12th, 1864. Wounded 
October 28th, 1864, in hand, at a skirmish near Darby town Cross- 
Roads, Va. Is living at Centerville, Iowa. 

Kennedy, Thomas W. Enlisted from Antioch February 22d. 1864. 
Wounded August 16th, 1864. at battle of Deep Run, Va., and left on 
the field. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY F— PRIVATES. 473 

Kramer, Jacob. Enlisted from Bloomington September 8th, 18C1. 
Died June 1-lth, 18(?4. 

Kennedy, Thomas M. Enlisted from Antioch February 22d, 1864. 
Wounded in the head August 16th, 1864. Taken prisoner. Died in 
prison at Richmond, Va., from wounds. 

Lake, David. Enlisted from Chicago September 28th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal October 4th, 1864. Wounded April 2d, 1865, at 
the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Discharged July 18th, 1865, for dis- 
ability from wounds. 

Larrett, Charles. Enlisted from Chicago September 29th, 1861. 
Veteran. Killed at Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865. 

Loughram, Owen. Enlisted from Sandoval August 15th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal December 7th, 1861; to Sergeant Feb- 
ruary 1st, 1864. Killed in battle October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown 
Cross-Roads, Va. 

Loughram, John. Enlisted from Chicago Sejitember 6th, 1861. 
Discharged May 8th, 1863, for disability. 

Litwiller, Charles. Enlisted from Avon February 29th, 1864. 
Wounded May 20th, 1864. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Lott, Theodore. Enlisted from Washington February 24th, 1864. 

Lott died very suddenly of disease of the heart, June 5th, 1864, 
when coming in from picket duty under fire. He got within the intrench- 
ments and fell dead. Autopsy revealed fatty heart with calcareous deposits 
in the vessels; also a bone growing from the base of the aorta. 

Lusk, Palmer. Enlisted from Avon February 2d, 1864. Wounded 
and taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Died in 
prison June 5th, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. 

Mcintosh, James. Enlisted from Bloomington October 5th, 1861. 
Discharged June, 1862, for disability. 

McLaughlin, Dennis. Enlisted from Chicago September 1st, 1861. 
Discharged January, 1862, for disability. 

McLaughlin, Patrick. Enlisted September 1st, 1861. Deserted 
October 1st, 1861. 

McGinnis, William. Enlisted April 5th, 1865. Discharged August 
ISth, 1865, for disability. 

McGinnis, Elijah. Enlisted April 5th, 1865. Died in hospital Sep- 
tember 30th, 1865. 

McGinnis, John B. Enlisted April 5th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Morris, James. Enlisted from Bloomington August 10th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded May 20th, 1864, in thigh; leg amputated. Died at 
Philadelphia July 9th, 1864, from wounds. 

Moore, William T. Enlisted from Chicago September 27th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal October 20th, 1861: to Sergeant August 
5th, 1864. 

Morse, Jacob. Enlisted from Chicago September 4th, 1861. Is living 
at Mazon, III. 



474 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Morse, E. J. Enlisted from Ceiitralia August 15th, 1861. Veteraii. 
Promoted Corporal August 16th, 1864; to Sergeant April 1st, 1865. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Moore, Thomas. Enlisted from Chicago August 22d, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal November 1st, 1862. Wounded August 16th, 1864, 
at Deep Run, Va. Promoted Sergeant March 6th, 1865; to First 
Sergeant June 1st, 1865, and commissioned Second Lieutenant 
October 16th, 1865. Is living at Beloit, Wis. 

Mooney, John. Enlisted from Bloomington August 19th, 1861. 
Wounded in the leg August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 
Veteran. Is living at Lockport, 111., when he is not on the tramp. 

Miller, Nichols. Enlisted from Chicago September 16th, 1861. De- 
serted In August, 1862. 

McLarkey, Hugh. Enlisted from Chicago September 16th, 1861. 
Discharged August 25th, 1862, for disability. 

McAree, Francis. Enlisted January 28th, 1864. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

McCurley, Michael. Enlisted February 9th, 1864. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Manzer, James. Enlisted from Waukegan January 25th, 1864. 
Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff. Discharged June 22d, 
1865, for disability from wounds. 

Marshall, Peter. Enlisted from Homer February 27th, 1864. 
Wounded October 13th, 1864, in the arm, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Miltmore, A. Enlisted from Avon February 29th, 1864. Died March 
23d, 1864, of brain fever. 

Melody, Patrick H. Enlisted from Waukegan January 21st, 1864. 
Promoted Corporal March 15th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 

Mcintosh, James W. Enlisted from Bloomington August 27th, 
1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal November 1st, 1862. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 

Nelson, James. Enlisted from Sandoval August 15th. 1861. Wound- 
ed in the head September 7th, 1863, at Fort Wagner, S. C. Mustered 
out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Nevil, Richard. Enlisted from Bloomington August 20th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Notmyer, Henry. Enlisted February 8th, 1864. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

O'Brien, Patrick. Enlisted from Bloomington, August 20th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded and taken prisoner August 16th, 1864. Died at 
Annapolis, Md., August 31st, 1864, from wounds and exposure. 

Pike, A. H. Enlisted from Bloomington August 28th, 1861. Veteran. 
Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Was sent to 
Andersonville, Ga., where he remained for six months and some days. 
Paroled, exchanged, and discharged February 21st, 1865. Is living at 
No. 10 North Carpenter street, Chicago. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY F— PRIVATES. 475 

Peters, Martin Van Buren. Enlisted from Elgin September 4th, 
1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal February Ist, 18G4. Wounded 
in the hand June 18th. 1864. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps 
March 17th, 1865. Is living at Sauk Center, Minn. 

Plowman, James. Enlisted from Chicago September 1.5th. 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in the head June 2d, 1864. Died November 14th, 
1864, from wounds. 

Peck, William. Enlisted from Homer February 2'2d, 1864. Wounded 
in skirmish near Wier Bottom church, Va., June 18th, 1864, and in 
the head August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. (No dis- 
charge furnished.) 

Robinson, William H. Enlisted February 29th, 1864. Promoted 
Corporal June 2d, 1865, for meritorious service at the assault on Fort 
Gregg and at Appomattox April 2d, 1885. 

Robinson is living at Mayville, Dakota, engaged in the lumber trade, 
being the secretary and treasurer of the Beidler and Robinson Lumber 
company. He is prosperous and a leading man in his community. 

Russell, John H. Enlisted from Northfield August 13th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal February 16th, 1862; to Sergeant August 
23d, 1864. Discharged for promotion to commission in Thirty-Sixth 
U. S. Colored troops. 

John H. Russell was born at Northfield, Cook county. 111., July 16th, 
1843, receiving his primary education by working on his father's farm 
during summer and going to school in winter, until he arrived at the age 
of sixteen, when he became a student in the Northwestern University at 
Evanston, 111., where he remained until the call "To arms!" resounded 
throughout the country. He then made an attempt to enlist in the since 
famous Nineteenth Illinois regiment, but was rejected cm account of his 
youth. On August 5th, 1861, having just passed his eighteenth birthday, 
he attached himself to Captain Amasa Kennicott's company, which was 
then being formed near his native place. This organization soon after- 
ward became a part of the " Yates Phalanx," was designated Company F, 
and joined the regiment at Camp Mather. From here he shared in all the 
movements of the company and regiment,— shared with it its first baptisin 
of blood when Companies A and F so successfully repulsed " Stonewall " 
Jackson's advance-guard at Alpine Station, and thus covered the crossing 
of the Potomac river by the troops, to Hancock, Md. He was one of the 
first to reach Cumberland on that famous forced march of forty miles when 
that place with its immense depot of supplies and quartermaster"s stores 
was threatened by Jackson's division, and remained there with his com- 
pany as provost-guard until they again joined the regiment at Patterson's 
Creek. He was present with the " Phalanx " throughout the vigorous cam- 
paign that followed. From this time forward, while he remained with the 
regiment, he occupied that anomalous position of company clerk and kept 
all the company's books, and prepared all the muster and pay rolls of the 
company, and served continuously throughout the two and a half years of 



476 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

his enlistment, except having for a short time been on detached service 
with Captain Williams, who was Brigade Commissary at Hilton Head. 

When the opportunity was given to the members of the regiment to 
re-enlist as veterans, Russell was among the first to profifer his services to 
the country for three years more, and assisted Comrade Knapp and others 
in the pleasant but arduous task of preparing the muster-out rolls and 
discharges of the men of the "Phalanx." 

After the veteran furlough and the consequent visit to home and 
friends, he served without intermission with the company throughout the 
terrible conflicts of 1864, receiving a flesh wound at Strawberry Plains, but 
did not leave the regiment; though from severe sickness on the march from 
the front of Petersburg to the north side of the James, he was forced to 
enter the field hospital at Bermuda Hundred, where a fever kept him for 
five weeks, at the expiration of which time he rejoined the regiment. 

During the winter of 1864-5, much interest was taken by the corps 
(the Twenty-Fourth) of which the regiment was a part, in critical inspec- 
tion and competitive drills. A series of such drills resulted in Russell's 
being selected to represent the brigade at division headquarters, and after 
a severe test and an examination by a board of officers detailed for the 
purpose, he received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the Thirty- 
Eighth U. S. Colored troops which was then encamped near Fort Harrison. 
He then bade adieu to his tried comrades of the " Phalanx " with feelings 
of much regret. 

On the morning of April 3d the order was received for a general 
advance along the line, and he led his company over the breast-works, 
driving in the rebel pickets and closely following their rear-guard over the 
rebel works. His regiment was among the first infantry to enter Richmond, 
and although no considerable amount of fighting was needed, the enforce- 
ment of strict military discipline was necessary to prevent the vast destruc- 
tion of property that the rebel rear-guard had inaugurated. 

The Twenty-Fifth Corps was now ordered to Texas to guard the 
frontier and watch the movements of Maximilian, who had been proclaimed 
Emperor of Mexico, — the Thirty-Eighth D. S. Colored troops serving at 
Brownsville, Brazos de Santiago and Indianola. Russell was speedily pro- 
moted to First Lieutenant, and acted as Company Commander, Regimental 
Quartermaster and Aid-de-camp to General Giles A. Smith, and was finally 
mustered out of the service in February, 1867, having served five years and 
seven months, his command being among the last to be dispensed with by 
the Government. 

Once naore at home, Russell renewed his collegiate course, and grad- 
uated from the Law Department of the Chicago University, class of 1868, 
practiced law in Chicago for one year, and finally went west, and has been 
since then practicing his profession with success at San Jose, California. 
In 1869 he married Cornelia E. Cadwell of Waukegan. 111., and has two 
children — Jessie Eleanor, aged eighteen years, and Gilbert Hamilton, aged 
sixteen years. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY F— PRIVATES. 477 

Seltzer, Peter. Enlisted from Northlield August 5th, 18(51. Veteran. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Northfield and 
occupied as an undertaker. 

Sheets, Eli. Enlisted September 27th, 1861. Transferred July 1st, 
1863, to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

SiggS, Francis. Enlisted from Bloomingtou August li)th, 1 861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded in the head June 18th, 1864. Died June 21st, 1864, 
from wounds. 

Springer, Samuel A. Enlisted from Chicago August 24th, 1861. 
Discharged September 11th, 1862, for disability. 

Snyder, Gottlieb. Enlisted from Bloomington August 28th, 1861. 
Discharged October 13th, 1862, for disability. 

Stanton, Albert. Enlisted from Centralia August 13th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out December 6th. 1865. 

Stout, James. Enlisted from Centralia August 14th, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded in the head and shoulder May 20th, 1864. Discharged 
October 3d, 1864, for disability from wounds. 

Scoville, John. Enlisted from Chicago December 4th, 1864. Trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April 17th, 1865. 

Scoville, William. Enlisted from Chicago February 4th, 1864. 

Wounded in the leg May 20th, 1864. Discharged for disability from 

wounds. 
Sherwood, Daniel. Enlisted from Waukegan January 25th, 1864. 

Killed October 28th, 1864, near Darbytowu Cross-Roads. Va. 

Smith, Asahel. Enlisted from Avon, February 2d, 1864. Discharged 
May 6th, 1865, for disability. 

Stillhamer, William. Enlisted from Bloomington March 9th, 1864. 
Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's BluflF, Va. Killed April 
2d, 1865, at the as'sault on Fort Gregg, Va. 

Starr, L. S. Enlisted from Newport February 13th, 1864. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 

Stroban, George. Enlisted from Waukegan February 26th, 1864. 

Sullivan, George. Enlisted from Liberty ville February 26th, 1864. 
Wounded in the knee May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Seavy, John. Enlisted September 6th, 1861. Deserted in 1861. 

Scott, John. Enlisted April 6th, 186.5. Mustered out December 6th, 

1865. 
Trapp, Augustus. Enlisted from Northfield August 22d, 1861. 

Discharged August 20th, 1862, for disability. 
Thompson, George. Enlisted August 22d, 1861. Discharged Sep- 
tember 20th, 1861, for disability. 
Underwood, George M. Enlisted September 4th. 1861. Veteran. 

Promoted to Corporal January 1st, 1865; to Sergeant June 2d. 1865. 

Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Lockport, 111. (Is 

Melvin in Adjutant General's report.) 
Van Buskirk, John. Enlisted from Chicago September 1st, 1861. 

Discharged July 1st, 1863, for disability. 



478 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Van Court, Rufus. Enlisted from Chicago, September 12tii, 1861. 
Discharged May 9th, 1863, for disability. 

Van Patten, Adelbert. Enlisted from Antioch January 28th, 1864. 
Taken prisoner August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Died of wounds 
in prison in Virginia. 

Washburn, George W. Enlisted August 28th, 1861. Promoted 
Corporal November 19th, 1862. Discharged August 5th, 1863, for 
disability. 

Washburn has been an invalid since his discharge, and is now in the 
Insane Asylum at Lincoln, Neb. 

Weible, Nicholas. Enlisted from Chicago October 4th, 1861. Mus- 
tered out October 4th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Woore, Henry. Enlisted from Northfield August 5th, 1861. Mustered 
out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Woore was wounded in the hip by a fragment of shell at Fort Wag- 
ner, S. C. Is living at Mount Vernon, Iowa; has a family of small children; 
is poor and cripjsled. 

Webb, Wallace H. Enlisted from Antioch, February 16th. 1864. 
Wounded in the thigh June 18th, 1864, in a skirmish near Wier Bot- 
tom church, Va. Absent, sick, at muster out. 

Webb, Daniel. Enlisted from Antioch February 1 6th, 1864. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 

Williams, Harry. Enlisted February 25th, 1864. Wounded in the 
foot October 13th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Williamson, James. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 



SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES, ETC. 479 



Summary of Casualties, Etc. 

Killed in battle 10 

Died of wounds ^ 

Died of disease 7 

Died in prison ^ 

Wounded ^2 

Deserted 10 

Transferred ' 

Discharged for disability 29 

Mustered out at expiration of service 8 

Lost limbs " 

1 9 

Taken prisoner '-^ 

Number originally enlisted '^ 

Recruits ^^ 

40 



Veterans. 



Returned home at muster-out '*S 

Known to be living (1889) -^ 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 



Company G — How Recruited — Roster and Biographies — Summary of Cas- 
ualties, etc. 



History of Company G. 

n^HIS company was recruited at Chicago, 111., commencing 
on or about August 6th, 1861, having been organized 
by the Eev. W. B. Slaughter, of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and Oscar F. Rudd and Amos Savage, who were 
elected as its commanders. It did most excellent service in 
whatever position it was placed, which may or may not have 
been in part attributable to the fact of its having a Slaugh- 
ter and a Savage as leaders, and as a consequence its list of 
casualties were numerous, it having lost seventy-four officers 
and men in killed, wounded and taken prisoners. 

At the time of the Jackson and Loring raid, January 4th, 
1862, the company was stationed at Great Cacapon, Va., to 
guard the Baltimore and Ohio railroad bridge, being subse- 
quently re-enforced by part of Company E ; and while there, 
repulsed a whole brigade of the enemy, holding it in check 
for some hours, and made good their retreat under cover of 
darkness, without serious loss. It did gf^iavd duty, with 
quarters on board a train of freight cars, along the Balti- 
more and Ohio railroad, from New Creek to Cherry Bun, 
Va., up to the 13th of March, 1862, when it joined Shields' 
division at Martinsburg, Va., and participated in the victory 
over " Stonewall" Jackson's army at Winchester, Va., March 
23d, 1862. After this it shared in the campaign through 
the Shenandoah Valley, marching to Fredericksburg and 
back, then embarking at Alexandria, Va., to join McClellan's 

480 













U^ t , 





w^^ 




1. WM. R. MORLEY, Co. H. 
4. JAMES HIRST, Co. I. 
7. H. D. POND, Go. G. 



2. EZRA A. COOK, CO. G. 3. GEORGE RIDDLE Co^ I. 

5 I D. BOSWORTH, Co. G. 6. Capt. H. M. PHILLIPS, Co. 1 

8 RICHARD A. LEMON, Co. I. 9. WILLIAM H. HOWARD, Co. G. 



HISTORY OF COMPANY G. 481 

army, and taking part in the last of the seven days' battles 
at Malvern Hill, Va. It took part in July, 18()2, in the 
grand retreat to Yorktown, and after a few days' rest pro- 
ceeded to Suffolk, Va., where winter quarters were estab- 
lished and where it participated in three diflPerent engage- 
ments on the Blackwater river, and in a reconnoissance to 
the Dismal Swamp. 

In the early part of January, 1863, it left Suffolk for 
Newbern, N. C, to take position in the Foster expedition for 
the reduction of Charleston, S. C, arriving and disembark- 
ing on Folly Island, S. C, April -ith, 1863, after having 
spent some little time for drill and discipline on St. Helena 
Island. From July until October, 1863, it was actively en- 
gaged in the operations to effect the reduction of the bat- 
teries and fortifications in and around Charleston harbor, 
being almost constantly exposed to the fire of the enemy 
and the no less active and merciless assaults of sand-flies, 
musquitoes and fleas; but the loss from all causes was sur- 
prisingly small, being only hvo seriously wounded. 

January 1st, 1864, the company, while at Hilton Head, 
S. C, re-enlisted as veterans and received thirty days' fur- 
lough home for recruiting. In February, 186)4, it was 
ordered to Washington, D. C. ; remained for several weeks 
encamped at Arlington Heights, Ya., then proceeded to 
Gloucester Point to join Butler's expedition up the James 
river, landing at Bermuda Hundred, Va., and actively par- 
ticipating in the battle of Drury's Bluff, on the loth and 
16th of May, 1864, in which the company lost four killed 
and thirteen wounded. 

May 20th, 1864, it was engaged in the battle of AVier 
Bottom church, and then in the trenches at Bermuda Hun- 
dred; then followed the engagements of June 16th, 17th 
and 18th at the same place, and where Captain O. F. Eudd 
was mortally wounded; then it crossed to the north side of 
the James river and took part in the charge upon the 

31 



482 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

enemy's works at Deep Bun, where Private Hardenburgh 
captured the colors of the Eighth Alabama regiment. 
August 8th, 18C)4:, it entered the trenches in front of 
Petersburg, Va., where it remained constantly on duty and 
exposed to the fire of the enemy until September 28thj 
when it again crossed to the north side of the James 
river, and on October 8th assisted in repulsing an attack of 
the enemy at Chapin's Farm, Va. ; and October IStli it was 
engaged in the charge on the rebel works at DarbytoAvn 
Cross-Roads, where it was repulsed. Again, October 27th, 
it had an engagement with the enemy at the same place. 
It went into winter quarters on the north side of the James, 
and during the winter received thirteen recruits. March 
27th, 18(35, it again crossed the river, moving to the extreme 
left of the army at Hatcher's Run, where, on April 2d, it 
assisted in making a successful charge on Fort Gregg, near 
Petersburg, the key to the works around Richmond. It 
then engaged in the pursuit of General Lee's army to 
Appomattox Court-House April 3rd to 9th, 1865. After 
remaining a few days to assist in guarding and collecting 
for transportation the captured property, it marched to 
Richmond, Va., where it remained until July 9th, 1865. 
It was then ordered to City Point, Va., and from there to 
Norfolk, where, on the 6th day of December, 1865, it was 
honorably mustered out of the United States service and 
ordered to Springfield, 111., for final payment and discharge, 
arriving there via Chicago, December 9th, 1865. 

Company G was called the "Preacher's Company," — 
not alone from the fact of its having a clergyman for its 
commander, but liecause its rank and file had pretensions to 
more morality than the majority of their comrades; and, 
in fact, it well maintained its superiority in this respect for 
some considerable time after joining the regiment. But, as 
is well known, evil communications and peculiar situations 
and surroundings are corrujiting; so they soon lost prestige 



ROSTER OF COMPANY G~ OFFICERS. 483 

ill this respect and became, in the esteem of their associates, 
" hail fellows, well met," at every turn, and could join in as 
noisy and abusive demonstrations as any when the commis- 
sary failed with rations or they were suspicious in quality ; 
and in the long, discouraging marches, when foot-sore, travel- 
stained and disheartened, they could generally find expres- 
sion for a few modest "cuss" words to lieljj maintain their 
courage. It possessed endurance, courage and eminent 
fighting qualities, as fully evinced on many occasions, and 
notably so at Great Cacapon, Va., when they held in check 
a full brigade of the enemy, and at the last, when Lieutenant 
Rudd, in order to permit the larger part of his command to 
retire, placed himself at the head of twenty of his men and 
in a narrow pass successfully held the enemy at bay. 

It can be fairly said of Company G that it did its full 
measure of duty, suffered its due share of hardships, and 
bore its proportion of loss. The reputation of the regiment 
was never imperiled by its conduct in the camp, or on the 
march, or in battle; but on the contrary, the record of the 
"Yates Phalanx" has been made brighter by reason of its 
harmonious action in camp, its heroic and soldierly bearing 
in Imttle, and its prompt and intelligent response to every 
call for duty. 



EosTER OF Company G. 

Captain William B. Slauginter. Commissioned August 5th, 
1861. Resigned July 2()th. 18(51-'. at Harrison's Landing, Va. 

Captain Slaughter recruited a portion of Company G while he was 
stationed as pastor at Blue Island, 111. After leaving the service he resum- 
ed his clerical duties, and in 1868 was stationed at Omaha, Neb. He died 
a few years ago. 

Captain Oscar F. Rudd. Promoted. Wounded June 16th, 1864, 
in a skirmish with the enemy near Chester Station, Va. Died in 
general hospital at Fort Monroe, Va., July 11th, 1864. 

It has been impossible to learn anything concerning the "ante- 
bellum " history of Captain Rudd, although proper effort has been made 



484 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

by writing to his son — now living, it was understood, at Blue Island, 111. 
It is to be regretted that his record is incomplete. 

As a soldier. Captain Rudd was earnest, faithful and brave, and was 
much respected not only by his own command but by the officers of the 
regiment generally. He possessed social and generous qualities that 
endeared him to his friends, and his loss was deeply felt. His soldierly 
qualities eminently fitted him to be a leader of men. Enthusiastic, deter- 
mined and brave, he asked none to follow where he would not lead, and it 
was on the skirmish line, at the head of his men, that he received his 
mortal wound. Words can hardly pay him the tribute he deserves. 

Captain Amos Savage. Commissioned vice Rudd, died, but not 
mustered as Captain. Discharged October 28th, 1864, for disability 
resulting from defective vision. 

During his three years and two months of active service Captain 
Savage made an honorable record as an officer and soldier, participating 
in most if not all the movements and actions in which the regiment took 
part, up to the time of leaving the service. 

Amos Savage was born June 18th, 1836, in the then just-organized 
county of Will, 111., on the same farm where he has since resided. His 
early advantages were only those offered by the district school of a iiew 
country. At the age of nineteen years he commenced teaching school win- 
ters, working on the farm during the summer. He was a delegate to the 
State Convention of 1860 which nominated Richard Yates for Governor and 
elected delegates to the National Convention which nominated Lincoln for 
President. He took part in the campaign of 1860, speaking several times 
in Will and Du Page counties. In April, 1861, he was elected supervisor of 
his native town (Homer), but the firing on Fort Sumter ten days later 
caused him to resign the position and enter the army. The first organi- 
zation he attached himself to failed to get into the service and he went to 
Chicago and enlisted in Company G, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. 
He returned to his home in November, 1864, much broken in health, and 
with the vision of the right eye nearly useless. In the fall of 1869 he was 
returned to the Board of Supervisors and was continuously re-elected until 
1872, when he was chosen a member of the State Legislature. In 1876 he 
was elected to the State Board of Equalization, serving continuously until 
1884. At present, Savage is engaged in farming, — feeding and shipping 
live stock. He is a Republican in politics, a friend of temperance and 
popular education, and deeply interested in the prosperity and welfare of 
his country. 

From the above sketch, one can form some opinion of his mental 
attributes, and all who know him have doubtless been impressed with some 
of his physical peculiarities. " An enormous foot, supporting a weight of 
two hundred and fifteen pounds avoirdupois; a head covered with a mas- 
sive shock of light-brown hair and partially occupied in front by a mouth 
set a little to one side, — these, with a hand like the hand of Providence, 



ROSTER OF COMPANY G— OFFICERS. 485 

constitute," he says, his chief physical characteristics. His postoffice 
address is Marley, 111. 

Captain Homer A. Plimpton. Promoted Major May nth, 18G5. 
(See Lieutenant-Colonel Plimpton.) 

Captain Neriah B. Kendall. Commissioned April 29th, 1865. 
Mustered out December fith, 1805, with the regiment. 
Captain Kendall enlisted from Joliet, 111., and served continuously 
up to the muster-out of the regiment, with the exception of three months 
spent in Libby prison. He enlisted as a private soldier and was mustered 
out as Captain commanding company, which of itself is a sufficient com- 
mentary on his ability and devotion to duty without further altiloquence 
from the writer. He was wounded in the head and taken prisoner May 
16th, 1864, at the battle of Drury's BlufiE, Va.; was reported " kiUed and left 
on the field" at the time, and in consequence of such report his funeral 
sermon was preached at Joliet by Elder Crews, of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He was perhaps the only person in the regiment who had such a 
distinction /oroerf upon him, or was placed in such a paradoxical position 
—dead, yet alive. It may be mentioned in this connection that he has 
been a very live man ever since— " there are no flies on him." He acted 
as Adjutant of the regiment from January 28th, to September 10th, 1865, 
when Adjutant Doud was assigned to the First Brigade. 

After the war, in July, 1866, Kendall went to Omaha, Neb., and was 
appointed civil engineer on the Union Pacific railroad, remaining in that 
capacity until the completion of the road in 1870, when he received the 
appointment of chief engineer of the Nebraska railroad, serving until 
1874, with the exception of one year spent in Arizona and California 
exploring a route for the Atlantic and Pacific railroad. He then resigned 
his position and gave up railroading, and soon engaged m the milling. _ 
stock, and land business, which he has since followed. 

It is presumed that in his travels and explorations in the far west he 
discovered the long-lost "Aladdin's Lamp," and has been rubbmg it, much 
to his advantage, ever since. He has considerable landed interests in 
Omaha, Lincoln, and throughout the State of Nebraska, and has some Uttle 
personal property besides-enough, in fact, to warrant him in saying that 
he feels quite prosperous. He makes his home and headquarters at Lin- 
coin. Neb. 

Fir«^t Lieutenant Oscar F. Rudd. Commissioned August 5th, 
'^' 1867. Promo1"d Clplain July 2.)th. 1862, vice Slaughter, resigned. 
First Lieutenant Amos Savage. Discharged October 28th. 18G4, 

for disability, by order ^Yar Department. 

First Lieutenant Homer A. Plimpton. Promoted Captain De- 

cember 5th, 1864. 

«.i •„!, D WonHaU Promoted Caiitain 
First Lieutenant Neriah B. Kendaii. 1 1"' i 

April 12th, 1865. vice Plimpton, promoted. 



486 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

First Lieutenant James B. West. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865, with the regiment. 

The writer has received no information concerning the past or pres- 
ent condition of West. All he is able to say is that West was a true 
soldier and was popular with his company and regiment as an officer. He 
is living at Albion, 111. 

Second Lieutenant Amos Savage. Commissioned August 5th, 
1861. Promoted First Lieutenant vice Rudd, promoted. 

Second Lieutenant James Mi Harrington. Mustered out 
October 17th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Lieutenant Harrington was a popular officer and soldier. He par- 
ticipated in all the battles and skirmishes the regiment was engaged in 
excepting the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., when he was absent sick, having 
been sent to hospital at St. Augustine, Florida, when the regiment was in 
South Carolina in November, 1863, rejoining his company the last of June, 
1864. He was born in the State of New York in the year 1831; went west 
with his parents in 1833, making a home in the town of Palos, Cook county, 
111.; lived there until his tenth year, when he moved with his parents to 
Kane county, fourteen miles west of Elgin. When nineteen years old he 
returned to Cook county, and in 1852 went to California, remaining there 
until 1857, when he returned to Chicago, where, in 1861, he enlisted in Com- 
pany G, Thirty-Ninth Illinois. In 1881 he went to Minnesota, locating at 
Pleasant Grove, which is his present home. His health is much impaired 
from his exposures in the service, — suffering with heart disease. 

Second Lieutenant James B. West. Promoted First Lieuten- 
ant April 29th, 1865. 

Second Lieutenant Joseph R. Ward, Jr. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865, as First Sergeant. 

Ward is living at El Dorado, Kansas; has a family of eight children, 
and is prospering and deserving of it. 

First Sergeant Henry Green. Enlisted from Ottawa, 111.. August 
19th, 1861. Reduced to the ranks July 28th, 1864. Wounded August 
20th and October 13th, 1864. Promoted Corporal July 1st, 1865. 
Veteran. Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 

Sergeant James M. Harrington. Enlisted from Palos, 111., 
August 9th, 1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant July 20th, 1862. 

Sergeant Samuel H. Brink. Enlisted from Sterling, 111., August 
loth, 1861. Veteran. Promoted to First Sergeant January 1st, 1864. 
Died of typhoid fever September 22d, 1864. 

Sergeant Horace T. Corwin. Enlisted from Homer, ill., August 
16th, 1861. Wounded in the leg May 20th, 1864, at WMer Bottom 
church, Va. Mustered out September 20th, 1864, at expiration of 
service. Is living at Lockport, Illinois. 

Sergeant Stephen L. Harrington. Enlisted August 9th, 1861. 
Veteran. Killed May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY G— OFFICERS. 487 

Corporal Abner Gillett. Enlisted from Homer, 111.. August 2i)th, 
1861. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Gillett is living at New Lenox, 111. His health began to fail in May, 
1864, and he was sent to general hospital at Fort Monroe, Va.. where he 
was discharged. He is a sufferer from rheumatism, and it may be a sat- 
isfaction for him to learn that many comrades know how to sympathize 
with him. 

Corooral Jehial Boughton. Enlisted from Palos, 111., August 9th, 
1861. Veteran. Died from disease, April 12th, 1864, at Washmgton, 
D. C. 

Corooral John J. Hawkins. Enlisted from Palos, 111., August 18th, 
1861. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Hawkins had command of Company G for a period of thirty days at 
a time when Captain Rudd was in hospital. Lieutenant Savage in com- 
mand of Company C, and Lieutenant Harrington sick. He has an idea 
that he failed of promotion because he was not a veteran. He has the 
satisfaction of knowing, however, that he was a good and trusted soldier 
and was so esteemed by his superiors. He is living at Blue Mound, Linn 
county, Kansas. 

Corporal Joseph McKee. Enlisted from Bremen 111., August 
13th 1861. Discharged November 25th, 1862, for disability. 

rnrnoral John Crawford. Enlisted from La Salle. 111., August 
^?4th 1861 Di>xha^^ed September 23d, 1862, for disability. 

Corporal John Grose. Enlisted from La Salle 111., August 14th, 
1861. Discharged February 10th, 1863. for disability. 

Corporal Orgro 'Gregory. T^^''^^^^ ''-^"^/I'^r'^h tnl^^^^^ 
19th. 1861. Reduced to the ranks January 1st, 1862. Died m nos 
pital at Morris Island. S. C, August 13th, 1863. 

Corporal James Prior. Enlisted from Lockport, 111 Augus^^^^^^^^^^^ 
1861 Veteran. Wounded in both thighs June 2d. Ibb4. Piomotea 
Semeant November 1st. 1864. Transferred and promoted Second 
LleSan^intheOne Hundred and Twenty-Second Regiment U. S. 
Colored troops. 

Musician AttiCUS A. Ladd. Unlisted fronjChic^oIlI^^ 
6th. 1861. Transferred to regimental band, Uctobei oxn, 
living at Omaha, Neb. 

-^&^;s4^lJ-s?^cs^^^^"^^^"^ 

Musician Franklin L.Fox^ ^^f^Z "^1^^^^^'^''^^ 
1861. Promoted Principal Musician July Ibt, l^ho. anu 

to non-commissioned staff. 



488 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Peiyates. 

Anthony, Herbert. Enlisted from Bedford, Mich.. August ''3d 1861 
Veteran. Killed May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Blufif, Va. " 

Allison, John H. Enlisted from New Genesee, August 28th, 1861 
Killed at Sufifolk, Va.. September 28th, 1862, by the falling of a tree' 
while engaged in cutting timber to build intrenchments. ' 

Angel, William. Enlisted from Homer, 111., August 19th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out with regiment. 

Ahlshlager, Carl G. Enlisted from New Lenox September 7th. 
1861. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Andrews, Isaac B. Enlisted from Hartford, Mich.. September loth 
1861. Killed May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Agney, Washington. Enlisted from Freeport February 29th, 1864. 
Killed October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. 

Armstrong, Edward. Enlisted from Chicago February 16th, 1864 
Wounded in the arm March 31st, 1864. Mustered out with regiment. 

Aurand, Robert D. Enlisted from Berryman, March 15th. 1865. 
Mustered out with regiment. 

Bien, Frederick. Enlisted from Milwaukee. Wis.. August 13th 1861 
Deserted August 25th. 1861. 

Bedell, Ransom. Enlisted from Cook county August 15th. 1861. 
Veteran. KUled October 12th, 1864, in a skirmish near Chapin's 
Farm, Va. 

Borchers, Hermanus. Enlisted from Peoria August 30th. 1861. 
Died February 13th, 1862, at Cumberland. Md., from disease. 

BoSWOrth, Isaac D. Enlisted from Manteno. 111., August 30th. 1861. 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Bosworth is living at Anderson, Ind., engaged in running a planing 
mill, and is a dealer in lumber, shingles, etc. " Is in the best of health, 
and working hard, early and late, to keep out of the poor-house." 

Blake, Robert W. Enlisted from Chicago September 9th. 1861. 

Wounded in the thigh June 17th, 1864, and in the nose August 16th, ■ 
1864. Mustered out September 16th, 1864, at expiration of service. 1 

Bull en, David. Enlisted from Farmington September 9th. 1861. 
Discharged June 2d, 1862, for disability. 

Bushnell, Albert. Enlisted from Palos February 27th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Bushnell fell from a ladder while working in a distillery, fracturing 
his skull, and died in March, 1874. 

Brown, George W. L. Enlisted from Orland February 29th. 1864. 
"Wounded in the thigh April 2d, 186.5, at the assault on'Fort Gregg. 
Va. Discharged July 19th, 1865, for disability from wounds. Is 
living at New Lebanon, 111. 

Brink, Albert. Enlisted from Sterling February 28th. 1864. Mustered 
out with regiment. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY G— PRIVATES. 489 

Breninger, John. Enlisted from Freepovt February 27th, 1864. 
Wounded in the head October 7th, 18()4, in a skirmish near Chapin's 
Farm, Va. Mustered out with regiment. Is living at Willow, 111. 

BruSCh, Frederick. Enlisted from Palos February 15th, 18(>4. 
Wounded in the foot April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 
Discharged November 18th, 1865, for disability from wounds. 

Barron, William. Enlisted from Orland February 1st, 1865. Mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Beeler, Leonard. Enlisted from Wood's Grove February 22d, 1865. 
Mustered out with regiment. 

Breninger, David. Enlisted from Hopkins March 2!»th, 1865. Mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Breninger, Benjamin. Enlisted from Wood's Grove February 27th, 
1865. Mustered out with regiment. Is living at Warren, 111. 

Carl, John. Enlisted from Homer August 16th, 1861. Mustered out 
September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Chatfield, Jesse. Enlisted from Palos August 9th, 1861. Promoted 
Corporal September 24th, 1862. Wounded in the hand June 17th, 
1864. in a skirmish with the enemy. Mustered out September lOth, 
1864, at expiration of service. Is living at Winfield, Cowley county, 
Kansas, and is occupied in farming. 

Crews Harrison H. Enlisted from Joliet August 9th, 1861. Dis- 
cha'rged February 19th, 1864. by reason of promotion in the Sixty- 
Fourth Illinois Volunteers. 
After the war Crews entered the regular service. Is reported as living 

at Lincoln, Neb. 

Cox, Camillus. ^Enlisted from Blue Island August 13th, 1861. 
Promoted Corporal April 13th, 1864; Sergeant July 5th 1864. 
Wounded in the arm October 27th, 1864. in a skirmish near Darby- ■ 
town Cross-Roads. Va., and suffered excision of some six inches ot 
the bone of the arm. Discharged June 8th, 1865, for disability from 
wounds. 

Cox was one of the seven men who volunteered to enter Fort Wagner, 
S. C, when news was brought that the fort was being abandoned. He was 
an excellent soldier-prompt, faithful and courageous. After the war he 
was for many years in the office of the United States Internal Revenue Col- 
lector for Chicago as Deputy, leaving it to make room for a Democrat m 
1884, when he resumed work at his trade (carpenter) at Washmgton 
Heights, 111., where he is now living. 

Callanan Theodore. Enlisted from Philadelphia, Pa , August 28th, 
18T,?. 'Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Camobell Merlin. Enlisted from Newport, Mich.. August 29th, 1861. 

Mustered out September 10th, 1864. at expiration of service. 

Campbell was on duty for some years as Wagon-Master. Is living at 
Marine City, St. Clair county, Mich. 



490 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 






Cook, Ezra A. Enlisted from Wheaton September 2d, 1861. Wound- 
ed in the hand May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. Mus- 
tered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Cook gives the following personal history : 

My father, Ezra Sprague Cook, was a regular Methodist Episcopal 
minister, and the longest time then allowed for a term of service in one 
place was two years. I was born at Windsor, Connecticut, November 5th, 
1841, and my early boyhood was spent in various villages of New England 
and the " Empire State." 

My father's health suffered severely from the hardships of ministerial 
service; for though we usually lived in the villages, where he conducted two 
Sabbath and several week-day services, he did much missionary work also, 
often taking long horseback rides in very inclement weather, when such 
riding was dangerous; and I remember that he was laid up once by a 
broken limb, and another time from a severe sprain, both accidents occur- 
ring during such rides. He finally had to leave the ministry on account of 
his health, but continued to preach, often several times a week, regularly, 
though engaged in a manufacturing business that took more than ten 
hours of his time per day. 

In the fall of 1853, having sold his manufacturing interests in East 
Worcester, Otsego county, New York, we moved to Illinois and settled on 
a farm about twelve miles from Chicago. About four years afterward he 
sold this farm and purchased another in Du Page county, about one and a 
half miles from Wheaton, his object being to give his children a liberal 
education; the oldest daughter having already spent several terms at 
Wheaton College. 

The outbreak of the war in the spring of 1861 found myself and two 
sisters attending Wheaton College, which had a national rei^utation as an 
Abolition school in an Abolition town. So strong was public sentiment 
that runaway slaves were perfectly safe in the College building, even when 
no attempt was made to conceal their presence, which was well known to 
the United States Marshal stationed there. AVith hundreds of others, I 
have seen and talked with such fugitives in the college chapel. Of course 
they soon took a night train well-guarded to the next station on the 
U. G. R. R. 

When Sumter was fired on, I did not doubt that it was the death-knell 
of slavery, and my heart was in the battle for freedom from that moment. 

Although I had expected to teach school the next autumn and winter, 
and had already been examined and received my certificate, it was very 
evident to my acquaintances that I had no heart for any employment but 
the service of my country, which I regarded as the service of my God, 
who was saying in thunder tones " Let the oppressed go free! ^^ 

I acknowledged the parental authority of my father and would not 
go without his consent. A townsman, Captain Kelly, was raising a com- 
pany for the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and being a fearless rider the cavalry 



ROSTER OF COMPANY G— PRIVATES. 491 

was my decided choice, and Captain Kelly assured me tliat I could depend 
on a non-commissioned oliice to start with. But it was not so to be. 
About the time I saw father was likely to give a reluctant consent to my 
enlisting, Captain Slaughter's rousing appeal in the Northivestern Christicm 
Advocate, for Christian young men to join his company, appeared. It 
stated that the company would be made up mostly of Christians, and none 
but moral young men would be taken; and as he was a Methodist minister, 
my father thought his company was the best for me to join, though it was 
not expected that I would find in it a single man I had ever seen before. 

Naturally, my faith in Captain S. was somewhat shaken when, soon 
after I had enlisted, I found that nearly all the men of the company, that 
he had recruited up to the time he published that article, would swear like 
a pirate, and several of them would get drunk. But that article, or those 
articles, for I think other appeals followed, did bring into the company 
some of the noblest Christian young men I have ever met, and I doubt not 
God guided me to Company G of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. 

The following brief sketch of his business career is taken from the 
Historical Publishing Company's " Epitome of Chicago's History and the 
Prominent Points of Interest," issued in 1885: 

" EzKA A. Cook. Lithographer, Stationer, Blank Book Manufacturer 
and Steam Printer, Numbers 7, 9. 11 and 13, Wabash avenue.-Mr. Ezra A. 
Cook is a well known publisher of works on secret societies, etc. His spa- 
cious and commodious establishment at Numbers 7, i), 11 and 13 \\ abash 
avenue is equipped with the latest and most improved machinery for 
lithographing, printing, blank-book making and publishing, and a force 
of skilled and experienced hands is employed. The work turned ou m 
each department is up to the highest standard of the art, and all orders 
are executed in the promptest and most satisfactory manner. Mr. Cook 
is one of the best known men in the trade. His impnnt is to be seen on 
millions of bank checks and drafts throughout the ^^est, and his publica- 
tions on secret societies are sold, not only all over the nation, but in for- 
eign lands. He is a clear-headed business man, honorable and fair m all 
transactions, and has achieved a well-merited success. —(See Chapter XX.) 

Chaoin Caleb F. Enlisted from Atlanta October 28th, I86I Veteran. 
Wounded June 2d, 1864, at Hatcher's Run, Va., and died of wounds. 

Prandall Christonher C. Enlisted from Joliet October 14th. 18fi2. 

^'^"v,unde?in';heS?e^1ay 20th. 1804. at Wier Bottom church Va. and 
in the head October 7th, 1864. Mustered out October 13th. I860, 
at expiration of service. Is living at Piper City, lU. 

Case, Henry N. Enlisted from Thornton, February 28th, 1864. Died 
February 13th, 1865, while home on furlough. 

Clark, Charles. Enlisted from Fremont February 12th. 1864. Died 
April 8th, 1864, at Chicago. 111. 

Campbell, William. Enlisted February 14th, 1865. Deserted May 
12th, 1865. Was a substitute. 

Clifford, James. Enlisted October 15th, 1864. Mustered out Novem- 
ber 25th, 1865. (Substitute.) 



492 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Colbert, William J. Enlisted from Chicago, February 27th, 1864. 
Promoted Corporal October 10th, 1864. Died at Genesee, 111., April 
15th, 1865, while on furlough. 

Deeming, Thomas. Enlisted from Homer August 15th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded in the head by spent ball March 23d, 1862, at Win- 
chester, Va. Promoted Corporal November 1st, 1864. Mustered out 
with regiment. Is living at Cedar Falls, Iowa. 

Dunham, Hiram G. Enlisted from Hartford, Mich., August 19th, 
1861. Died at Cumberland, Md., of typhoid fever, February 23d, 1865. 

DilnO, Henry. Enlisted from Bellevue, Mich., September 5th, 1861. 
Discharged September 28th, 1862, for disability. Is living at Belle- 
vue, Mich. 

DilnO, Aaron. Enlisted from Bellevue, Mich., October 1st, 1861. Died 
at Cumberland, Md., of disease, February 13th, 1862. 

Decker, Lester B. Enlisted from Orland February 23d, 1864. 
Wounded in the thigh May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., 
and in the leg October 7th, 1864. Mustered out with regiment. 

Frisbie, Charles F. Enlisted from Worth August 13th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted to Commissary Sergeant and transferred to non- 
commissioned staff October 1st, 1864. (See Non-Commissioned 
Staff.) 

Frank, Henry J. Enlisted from New Lenox September 22d, 1861. 
Wounded in the side May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Mustered out September 22d, 1864, at expiration of service. Is living 
at W^orthing, Dakota. Has a family of four children. 

Fitt, William. Enlisted February 29th, 1864. Wounded in the hand 
June 2d, 1864, in a skirmish near W'ier Bottom church, Va. Wounded 
again, in left arm, April 9th, 1865, at Appomattox, Va. 

Fudor, Lewis. Enlisted from Palos May 7th, 1864. Mustered out 
with regiment. 

Flannigan, Rollin O. Enlisted from Thornton March 14th, 1864. 
Discharged June 3d, 1865, for disability. Is living at Thornton, 111. 

Groesbeck, William D. Enlisted from Wood's Grove February 22d, 
1865. Mustered out with regiment. 

Goebel, John. Enlisted from Chicago December 26th, 1863. Wounded 
in the neck May 20th, 1864, at W'ier Bottom church, Va., and in the 
arm, April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Mustered out 
with regiment. Is living at No. 814 North Halsted street, Chicago. 

Gardner, Charles H. Enlisted from Thornton February 28th, 1864. 
Mustered out with regiment. Is living at Kensington, 111. 

Gurrand, Francis L. Enlisted from Chicago December 21st, 1863. 
Taken prisoner May 20th, 1864. Mustered out with regiment. Is 
living near Blue Island, 111. 

Goodman, Thomas. Enlisted from Lockport December 29th, 1863. 
Mustered out with regiment. , 

Gibson, Hiram. Enlisted from Bremen February 23d, 1864. Wounded 
in the head October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross Roads, Va., and 
died of wounds October 27th, 1864. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY G— PRIVATES. 493 

Gallup, George. Enlisted from ^Yorth February L'3d, 1864. Mustered 
out with regiment. Is living at Stockton, Cal. 

Hahn Christian. Enlisted from Homer August 13th, 1861. Trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April 10th, 1864. 

Howard, William H. Enlisted from Lysander, N. Y.. August 14th, 
1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal April 3d. 1865. Wounded in the 
neck April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Is a policeman 
at Sterling, 111. 

Howland, Adelbert. Enlisted from Genesee August 14th, 1861. 
Killed August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Hardenburgh, Henry M. Enlisted from Bremen August 15th, 1861. 
Wounded in the shoulder August 16th, 1864. 

Hardenburgh was promoted to First Lieutenant in U. S. Colored 
troops for bravery on the field of battle, and was killed by a fragment of 
shell which pierced his left breast, in the intrenchments in front of Peters- 
burg, Va., August 28th, 1864. He died before receiving his commission. 
Herzog Adam J. Enlisted from Lafayette, Ind.. August 15th, 1861. 
Veteran Wounded May 20th. 1864, in the arm, at battle of ^\ ler Bot- 
tom church. Va. Promoted Corporal October 10th, 1864; Sergeant 
January 1st, 1865. Is living at LaFayette, Ind. 
Hughes, R. E. Enlisted from Chicago August 21st, 1861. Deserted 

August 21st, 1861. 
Hammond William. Enlisted from Homer August 27th, 1861. 
^^Se°an Promoted Corporal November 1st, 1864. Mustered out 
with regiment. 
Humohrey, Thomas. Enlisted from Orland August 2!)th, 1861. 
Killed May 20th. 1864, at battle of Wier Bottom church, Va. 

Hanson Edward P. Enlisted from Orland August 29th, 1861. 
D°charged^ept"mber 3d, 1862, for disability. Is living at Kensing- 
ton, 111. 
Heintz, P. H. Enlisted from Pekin, August 30th, 1861. Deserted 

September 12th, 1861. 
Hawkins, Edwin. Enlisted from Chicago September 4th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 2d, 1862, for disability. 
Handv Austin A. Enlisted from Shabbona, September 9th. 1861. 
Mustered out September 10th. 1864, at expiration of service. Is dead. 
Hamilton James G. Enlisted from Bremen, February 26th 1864. 
^Vou^S^dinThe leg October 13th. 1864, at Darby town Cross-Roads 
Va. Leg amputated. Discharged June 3d, 1865, for disability. Died 
at Englewood, 111., in 1887. 

It has been impossible to obtain anything pertaining to the early 
history of Hamilton. His record while with the Thirty-Ninth Illinois was 
most excellent. 

Helm, Willis N. Enlisted from Shabbona August 26th, 1861. Died 
at Cumberland, Md., of typhoid fever. April 10th, 1862. 



494 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Inglehart, Charles. Enlisted February 27th, 1864. Wounded in 
the hand June 17th, 1864, near Wier Bottom church, Va., and in the 
leg, April 2d, 1865, at assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Discharged October 
30th, 1865, for disability from wounds. Is living at Ree Heights, 
Dakota. 

Jenkins, Robert T. Enlisted from Coloma August 14th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 27th, 1862, for disability. 

JenkS, George W. Enlisted frora Orland August 19th, 1861. Dis- 
charged January 16th, 1863, for disability. 

Jenkins, Samuel N. Enlisted April nth, 1865. Mustered out with 
regiment. Is living at Eureka, 111. 

Kendall, Neriah B. Enlisted from Joliet August 9th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal January 1st, 1862. Wounded and taken 
prisoner May 16th, 1864. Promoted Sergeant August 15th, 1864; 
First Sergeant November 1st, 1864; First Lieutenant July 11th, 1865. 
(See Captain Kendall, Company G.) 

Katillinek, Albert. Enlisted from Thornton August 15th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal March 1st, 1865; Sergeant July 1st, 
1866. Mustered out with regiment. Is living at Monticello, Minn. 

Klumpp, Jacob B. Enlisted from Peoria September 4th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal October 12th, 1864; Sergeant May 1st, 
1865. Mustered out with regiment. 

While at Norfolk, Va., Klumpp was detached as overseer of the Bax- 
ter farm, worked by freedmen. He was a good soldier, and always did his 
full duty. After the war he returned to Illinois. Not much is known of 
his history. In 1880 he was living at Willow, 111., in the position of Justice 
of the Peace and collecting agent. He soon after removed to his home- 
stead at Clift, Custer county. Neb. He has now (1888) some four hundred 
acres under the plow; has a family of nine children, and lives in a sod- 
house of four rooms. He suffers from feeble health, having epilepsy; but 
is contented, getting rich, and ought to be happy. 

Lewis, Andrew J. Enlisted from Amboy August 9th, 1861. Died on 
Folly Island, S. C, of typhoid fever, July 4th, 1863. 

Lewis, John. Enlisted from Amboy August 19th, 1861. Discharged 
December 21st, 1862, for disability. 

LusCOmb, Albert. Enlisted from Bellevue, Mich., August 15th, 1861. 
W^ounded and taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drnry's 
Bluff, Va. Died at Petersburg, Va., from wounds, June 26th, 1864. 

Lambert, William. Enlisted October 23d, 1863. Mustered out April, 
1864, under order War Department. 

Livingstone, Kilsyth. Enlisted from Chicago March 12th, 1864. 
Deserted October 2d, 1865. 

Love, James. Enlisted February 8th, 1865. Mustered out with regi- 
ment. 

May, William H. Enlisted from Genesee August 28th, 1861. Killed 
May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY G~PR1VATES. 495 

McKee, Joseph. Enlisted from Bremen August 13th. 1862. Dis- 
charged November 25th, 1862, for disability. Re-enlisted January 
4th. 1864. Promoted Corporal January 1st. I860. Wounded August 
14th, 1864, in a skirmish near Deej) Bottom, Va.: again wounded, 
April 2d, 1865, at assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Discharged July 22d, 
1865, for disability from wounds. 

Meyers, John. Enlisted from Thornton August 26th, I86I. Veteran. 
Wounded in the face and neck, June 2d, 1864. near Wier Bottom 
church. Va. The bullet was cut out from the right tonsil where it 
had lodged. W^as again wounded, April 2d, 1865. in shoulder at the 
assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Promoted Corporal May 1st, 1865. 
Mustered out with regiment. 

John was born January 3d, 1845, and enlisted in 1861, and thinks he 
was one of the youngest men in the regiment that carried a musket. He is 
living at La Delle, Spink county, Dakota, on his homestead. He says that 
he has threshed out eight hundred and seventeen bushels of wheat and four 
hundred bushels of oats (this was in 1887), but is not getting rich at 
present prices for grain, with beer costing twenty-tive cents a bottle and 
whisky one dollar a pint. 

Muller, John B. Enlisted from Pekin August 30th.l861. Discharged 
July 4th, 1863, for disability. Is living at El Paso, 111. 

McLaughlin, Patrick. Enlisted from Bremen September 5th, I86I. 
Transferred to Company F October 1st, 1861. 

McLaughlin, Dennis. Enlisted from Bremen September 15th, 
1861. Transferred to Company F October 1st, 1861. 

Magee, William T. Enlisted from Macomb September 5th, 1861. 
Veteran. Mustered out with regiment. 

Magee was on detached service as hospital cook for nearly the whole 
of his term of service. Is living at Prairie City, 111. 

Moran, John. Enlisted October 12th, 1864. Deserted August 16th. 
1865, at Norfolk, Va. 

Morrison, William. Enlisted January 23d, 1865. Deserted April 

2d, 1865. 
Murray, Levi. Enlisted from Berryman March 15th, 1865. Mustered 

out with regiment. 
McCracken, Solomon. Enlisted from Thornton February 13th, 

1865. Mustered out with regiment. 
Norris, Henry D. Enlisted from Chicago August 6th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June, 1862, for disability. 
Nutting, Harrison. Enlisted from Champaign county August 14th. 

1861. Wounded in the leg June 2d, 1864, near Wier Bottom church. 

Va. Died of wounds, at Fort Monroe, Va., November 27th, 1864. 
Neff, Frederick. Enlisted from Pekin August 30th, I86I. Deserted 

September 12th. 1861. 
Ogle, Daniel. Enlisted from sterling February 13th, 1864. Mustered 

out with regiment. 



496 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Onsoig, Frederick. Enlisted from Chicago February 17th 1864 
Mustered out with regiment. ' 

Pate, Robert P. Enlisted August 6th, 1861. Discharged September 
30th, 1861, for disability. 

Plimpton, Homer A. Enlisted from Sterling August 14th 1861 
Veteran. Promoted Sergeant May 20th, 1864. Wounded in the head 
October 7th, 1864, near Chapin's Farm, Va. Promoted First Lieu- 
tenant October 28th, 1864; Captain December 5th, 1864; Major May 
11th, 1865; Lieutenant-Colonel May 11th, 1865. (See Field and Staff.) 

Parrisil, William C. Enlisted from New Genesee August 14th 1861 
Died at WiUiamsport, Md., of heart disease, November 29th, 1861. 

Parrish, Watson. Enlisted from New Genesee August 14th 1861 
Wounded in the head May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff Va' 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service' Ls 
hvmg somewhere in California, practicing law, and is reported to be 
a man of wealth. 

Parrish, Harrison. Enlisted from New Genesee, August 14th 1861 
Wounded June 2d, 1864, in a skirmish near Wier Bottom church Va' 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service' Is 
living at Mulford, Iowa, engaged in the hardware trade. 

Potter, Isaac. Enlisted from Johnson county, Kansas, August 19th 
1861. Died of disease, at Cumberland, Md.. February 1st, 1862. ' 

Parkhurst, Henry S. Enlisted from Le Roy, Pa., August "Oth 
1861. Discharged June 29th, 1863, for disability. ' 

Pond, Henry D. Enlisted from New Genesee, August 21st 1861 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Pond is living on his farm at New Genesee, Whiteside county. 111. 
Is in very comfortable circumstances, financially, but with health some- 
what broken from army exposures. 

Pratt, James. Enlisted from Orland February 27th, 1864. Died May 
28th, 1864, of scarlet fever. 

Pacey, John. Enlisted from Brimfield September 24th, 1861. Wound- 
ed and taken prisoner May 16th, 1864. at Drury's Bluff, Va. Died in 
prison of wounds, at Richmond, Va., July 26th, 1864. 

Pacey, Richard. Enlisted from Brimfield September 24th 1861 
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

PettfjOhn, James. Enlisted from Orland February 23d. 1864 
Wounded in the hand May 14th, 1864, in a skirmish near Drury's 
Bluff, Va. Discharged May 23d, 1865, for disability from wounds. 

Pitzer, Henry. Enlisted from Orland March 12th, 1864. Wounded 
m the head October 13th, 1864, at battle of Darbytown Cross-Roads, 
Va. Mustered out with regiment. 

Paul, Jacob. Enlisted May 23d, 1864. Mustered out with regiment. 

Price, William. Enlisted February leth, 1865. Deserted August 14th 
1865, at Norfolk, Va. 

Parkinson, Isaac W. Enlisted from AVood's Grove February 22d, 
1865. Mustered out with regiment. Is living at Willow, 111. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY G— PRIVATES. 497 

Root Pliny F. Enlisted from Greenwich, Mass., Angust Cth, 1861. 
Died at Hilton Head, S. C, of chronic diarrhoea, December 31st, 1863. 

Ross, George. Enlisted from Homer August 13th, 1861. Discharged 

June 27th, 1862, for disability. 
Ravner Sylvester. Enlisted from West Bend, Wis., September yth, 

1861.' Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Roberts Charles H. L. Enlisted from New Genesee. August 28th, 
1861 ' Wounded in the knee September. 1863, at Fort Wagner. S. C; 
also " in the shoulder and face. May 20th, 1864, near Wier Bottom 
church, Va. Mustered out October, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Rowley Charles. Enlisted from Homer September 10th, 1861. 

Died' at Cumberland, Md., of typhoid fever, February 20th, 1862. 
Riimsev Girard. Enlisted from Manteno September 25th, 1861. 
Veteran Promoted Sergeant July 29th, 1864. Discharged by reason 
of promotion as First Lieutenant of Fifth U. S. Colored troops. 
Roberts, Joseph. Enlisted October 5th, 1861, as drummer. Dis- 
charged November 12th, 1861, for disability. 
Rppves Joseoh H. Enlisted from Palos February 2'.»th, 1864. 
WWded in the thigh May 16th, 1864; limb amputated. Discharged 
March 18th, 1865, for disability from wounds. 
Rf-Pd Steohen C Enlisted from Palos December 31st, 1863. Mus- 
^ teVed ou?w?th the regiment. Is living at Blue Island, 111., engaged in 

publishing a newspaper. 
Riche William. Enlisted from Chicago December 31st, 1863. 
Wounded October 13th, 1864, at battle of Darbytown Cross-Roads, 
Va. Mustered out with regiment. 
Riley, John. Enlisted December 14th, 1864. Mustered out with regi- 

ment. 
Qr^H^r-mPrhorn Almon L. Enlisted from Worth August 6th 1861. 
^''^ VetTran WoundedTtL neck May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Mustered out with regiment. 

Schermerhorn was never able for duty with his company after being 
wounded. Was Orderly for General Osborn at Richmond, Va., up to the 
close of the war. Is living at Oxford, Mich. 

Soencer W. W. Enlisted from Bainbridge, Minn. August 15th, 1861. 
^^^??omotS[ S^geant July 2d, 1862 Wounded m th« ^-d June s 
1864, in intrenchments at Bermuda Hundred, Va. Died of wounas, 
at Philadelphia. July 5th, 1864. 
Smith, Robert. Enlisted from Sterling Augirst 9th, 1861. Discharged 
September 9th, 1864, for disability. 

-%-^ ^^^ r;n5, ^ . ~ »eS. s; 

1864, at expiration of service. Is living at Shabbona, 111. 
SDicer Daniel W. Enlisted from Thornton February 29th, 1864. 
^ Died i^Harwood hospital, Washington, D. C, April 14th, 1864. 
Shipley, Thomas. Enlisted January 3d, 1865. Discharged July 

15th, 1865, for disability. 



32 



498 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 






Shafer, John N. Enlisted from Scranton, Pa., September 19th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal May 1st, 1865. Mustered out with 
regiment. Is living at Tippecanoe City, Ohio. 

Savitz, James. Enlisted April 8th, 1865. Mustered out with the 
regiment. 

Tyler, James. Enlisted from Lockport August 13th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 2d, 1862, for disability. 

Turney, Daniel W. Enlisted from Orland March 7th, 1864. Wound- 
ed in the face August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. Mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Turney was on detached service at Richmond and Portsmouth from 
April 20th, 1865, until muster-out of service. Is living at Piper City, 111. 

West, James B. Enlisted from Homer August 13th, 1861. Pro- 
moted Sergeant September 10th, 1864; First Sergeant January 1st, 
1865; First Lieutenant, May 10th, 1865. (See Lieutenant West.) 

Ward, Joseph R., Jr. Enlisted from Bremen August 29th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal October 10th, 1864; Sergeant November 
1st, 1864: Second Lieutenant October 16th, 1865. (See Lieutenant 
Ward.) 

WagOnrod, Henry. Enlisted from Bremen September 12th, 1861. 
Died on Folly Island, S. C, November 10th, 1863. 

Warren, Richard. Enlisted from Bremen September 5th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Taken prisoner June 2d, 1864, near Wier Bottom church, Va.; 
was sent to Andersonville, Ga., and endured great sufferings. Pro- 
moted Corporal May 10th, 1865. Mustered out with regiment. 

Warren, Stephen R. Enlisted from Bremen September 3d, 1861. 
Deserted September 30th, 1861. 

Warren, William. Enlisted from Lyons, Iowa, September 3d. 1861. 
Wounded in the arm May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's BluflF, Va. 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Weston, Perry E. Enlisted from Shabbona September 16th. 1861. 
Mustered out September 16th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Winder, Joseph K. Enlisted from Lamoille August 29th, 1861. 
Killed August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Winder, Lorenzo. Enlisted from Lamoille August 29th, 1861. Dis- 
charged October 23d, 1862, for disability. 

Williams, Henry W. Enlisted from Neoga October 28th, 1861. 
Discharged February 26th, 1862, for disability. 

Wadhams, Mortimer C. Enlisted from Joliet October 14th, 1862. 
Died of small-pox, at Bermuda Hundred, Va., February 19th, 1865. 

Williams, John. Enlisted February 7th, 1865. Deserted August 14th, 
1865, at Norfolk, Va. (Substitute.) 

Wells, Mathew. Enlisted from Orland March 9th, 1864. Wounded 
in the arm May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va., and taken jirisoner. 
Discharged May 30th, 1865, under order War Department. 

Williams, William C. W. Enlisted from Palos February 29th, 1864. 
Discharged May 19th, 1865. for disability. 



SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES, ETC. 499 

Walker, John W. Enlisted from Lockport December 2!)th, 1863. 
^Younded in the hand October 7th, 1864. Mustered out with regiment. 
Is living at Omaha, Nebraska. 

Wolfe, William. Enlisted from Wood's Grove February 27th. 1865. 
Mustered out with regiment. 

Wengart, Henry. Enlisted from Florence May 15th, 1865. Mustered 
out with regiment. 



Summary of Casualties, Etc. 

Killed in battle 11 

Died of wounds 6 

Died in prison 2 

Died of disease 1!> 

Wounded 50 

Lost limbs - 

Taken jjrisoner 6 

Transferred 10 

Discharged for disability 34 

Mustered out at expiration of service 25 

Deserted 10 

Re-enlisted ■il 

Number originally enlisted 101 

Recruits 68 

Mustered out with regiment 52 

Known to be living ^^ 

Resigned 1 



CHAPTEK XXX. 



Company H — How Recruited — Roster and Biographies — Summary of 
Casualties, etc. 



History of Company H. 

Sketch bx William H. Mobley. 
A PRIL 13th, 1862, E. H. Wilson aud myself went from 
Farmer City to Le Koy, 111., and were enlisted by 
Harvey Parks, who was there on recruiting service for Com- 
pany I, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. On the 15th, 
with one other recruit, we walked to Bloomington and there 
took the cars for Springfield, 111., and were assigned to the 
recruiting barracks at Camp Butler. April 17tli Harvey 
Parks went back to the regiment, and Charles J. Wilder 
took charge of the recruits. There were eight of us who 
were recruited for the Thirty-Ninth, being a larger number 
than for any other one regiment there present, and we or- 
ganized a temporary company, calling it Company H, Thir- 
ty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers, selecting C. J. Wilder as our 
Captain. Being a "lost company," we were kept at Camp 
Butler to guard the rebel prisoners, and there seemed to be 
no prospect of getting to our regiment until about June 20th, 
1862, when Chauncey Williams of Company I came home 
on recruiting service and arrived at Camp Butler with a few 
men whom he had recruited at Le Roy. He was a favorite 
with the boys from the start, and he stated that if he was 
elected their Captain he would take us to our regiment at 
once. During the time we had been at Camp Butler, all 
recruits who arrived in camp, and who had not been as- 
signed to any particular regiment, and who had no choice as 

500 



ROSTER OF COMPANY H— OFFICERS. 501 

to where tliej went so long as they got to the front, were 
assigned to our barracks until we had a company nuinl^erino- 
some seventy men from all parts of the State. 

On June 30th, 1862, we held an election for officers 
which resulted in the choice of 

CHAUNCEY WILLIAMS, Captain; 
CHARLES J. WILDER, Fiest Lieutenant; 
GEORGE SEARING, Second Lieutenant: 

and we were mustered into the United States service as Com- 
pany H, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers, dating July 11th, 
18(32. July 10th we started to join the regiment via Indian- 
apolis and "Washington, arriving at Harrison's Landing, Ya., 
July 24:th, and were assigned our place in the regiment. 
From that time to the close of the Avar our liistory is that in 
common with the regiment, which we were never detached 
from, but were a part thereof at all times. 

This company participated in all the battles that the 
regiment was engaged in excepting that at Drury's Bluff, 
Va., May 16th, 1864, when it was detailed as the guard to 
an ammunition train. It was proficient in drill, excellent 
in discipline, and -did noble service during the continuance 
of the war, losing many officers and men killed in battle, 
wounded, and taken prisoners. 



EosTER OF Company H.' 

Captain Chauncey Williams. Commissicjned July nth, 1802. 
Killed while leading a charge on the enemy's works August KUh, 
1864, at Deep Run or Bottom, Va. 

The last words of Captain Williams were— " Boys, we will go into 
those pits, or die!" A rebel bullet pierced his brain, killing him at once. 
The Captain enlisted in Company I and served as First Sergeant until 
June, 1862, when he was sent back on recruiting service; and having 
organized Company H, was discharged and commissioned. He was a brave 
soldier and always did his full duty cheerfully and without question, and 
met a soldier's death in a most gallant and heroic manner. It has been 
impossible to learn anything about his early history— which is to be 
regretted. 



502 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Captain William Downs. Commissioned March 31st, 1865. 
Wounded in the side August 16th, 1864, at the battle of Deep Run, Va. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

The Captain was a good soldier and made a popular officer. Noth- 
ing is known of his antecedents or what has become of him. 

First Lieutenant Charles J. Wilder. Commissioned March 
22d, 1862. Killed October 13th, 1864, at the battle of Darbytown 
Cross-Roads, Va. 

Lieutenant Wilder was killed while leading a charge upon the 
enemy's works and was buried at the foot of a tree near where he fell, and 
his comrades cut his name in the bark. He was a brave and fearless officer 
much respected by his command. Nothing is known of his early history. 

First Lieutenant William Downs. Commissioned October 
13th, 1864. Promoted Captain March 31st, 1865. 

First Lieutenant William Harrison. Commissioned March 

31st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 
Harrison was a brave soldier and made a good record. 

Second Lieutenant George Searing. Commissioned July 

lOth, 1862. Resigned September 10th, 1864. 

Nothing is known of Lieutenant Searing since he left the service. 

First Sergeant Walter Harrington. Enlisted from Chicago 

February 1st, 1862. Veteran. Wounded in the ankle May 20th, 1864, 
at Wier Bottom church, Va. Wounded again, August 16th, 1864, in 
the thigh. Discharged April 4th, 1865, for disability from wounds. 

Sergeant William Downs. Enlisted from Downs April 1st. 1862. 
Promoted First Lieutenant October 13th, 1864; and Captain March 
31st, 1865. 

Sergeant William C. Mitchell. Enlisted from Wilmington April 
5th, 1862. Mustered out May 9th, 1865, at expiration of service. Is 
living at Stewart, Iowa. 

Sergeant James Smith. Enlisted from Pecatonica March 17th, 
1862. Mustered out March 23d, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Sergeant William Harrison. Enlisted from Kingston Mines 
February 16th, 1862. Promoted First Lieutenant March 31st, 1865. 

Corporal E. H. Wilson. Enlisted from Santa Anna April 14th, 
1862. Promoted Sergeant January 1st, 1865. Mustered out May 9th, 
1865, at expiration of service. 

Corporal Z. M. Wilkins. Enlisted from Le Roy April 14th, 1862. 
Wounded in the back August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Pro- 
moted Sergeant January, 1865. Mustered out May 9th, 1865, at ex- 
piration of service. Is living at Pineville, Missouri. 

Corporal A. Mendenhall. Enlisted from Wilmington March 15th, 
1862. Wounded in the foot August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. 
Mustered out April 14th, 1865, at expiration of service. Is living at 
Havana, Kansas. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY H— PRIVATES. 503 

Corporal William B. Cain. Enlisted from Wilmiugton March 
13th, 1862. Reduced to ranks May 1st, 1863. Mustered out March 
23d, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Corporal Charles Barry. Enlisted from Kingston Mines Febru- 
ary 1st, 1862. Veteran. Wounded in the thigh May 2()th. 1864, at 
battle of Wier Bottom church, Va. Died June 17th 18(54, from his 
wounds. 

Corporal Alvin Whittaker. Enlisted from Le Roy February 13th, 

1862. Veteran. Wounded in neck and hand May 16th, 1864, at 
Drury's Bluff, Va. Taken prisoner. Mustered out July 1.5th, 1865, 
at expiration of service. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 

Corporal J. L. Lewis. Enlisted from Le Roy May 10th. 1862. 
Wounded in the leg October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, 
Va. Mustered out March 23d, 1865, at expiration of service. Is 
living at Clinton, 111. 

Corporal James Armstrong. Enlisted July 14th, 1862. Re- 
duced to the ranks May i;>th, 1863. Wounded in the foot August 15th, 

1863, at Fort Wagner, S. C; suffered amputation of i)art of foot. 
Discharged November 3d, 1864, for disability from wounds. 



Privates. 

Allahan, William S. Enlisted from Polo February 1st, 1862. Dis- 
charged March 3d, 1863, for disability. 

Allen, John W. Enlisted from Chicago April 10th, 1862. Deserted 
October 30th, 1862. 

Aldridge, Lawson. Enlisted February 22d, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Allen, James. Enlisted April 11th, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Angelen, Hicks. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Beach y, J. F. Enlisted from Kingston Mines February 1st, 1862. 
Wounded in the arm June 2d, 1864, at battle near Wier Bottom church, 
Va; arm amputated. Mustered out March 3d, 1865, at expiration of 
service. 

Boyd, Hiram C. Enlisted from Old Town February 12th, 1862. Pro- 
moted Corporal March 20th, 1863. Wounded June 2d, 1864, in the 
thigh. Mustered out March 3d, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Brown, Ebenezer. Enlisted from Downs March 1st, 1862. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal April 16th, 1865; Sergeant June 20th, 1865. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 
Brown was injured in the side while assisting in unloading a vessel 

at the foot of Folly Island, S. C. Is living at Saunemin, 111., engaged in 

farming. 

Brown, John J. Enlisted from Downs March 1st, 1862. Veteran- 
Promoted Corporal May 16th, 1865; Sergeant June 20th, 1865. Is 
living at Solomon, 111. 



504 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Brightman, William. Enlisted March 1st, 1862. Died of disease, 
in general hospital at St. Augustine, Florida. 

Bircin, William. Enlisted from Ashmore February 2d, 1862. Wound- 
ed June 2d, 1862; also April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, 
Va. Mustered out June 2d, 1865, at expiration of service. Is living 
at Kansas. 111. 

Bailey, James B. Enlisted from Springfield July 2d, 1862. Deserted 
July 16th, 1862. 

Brennan, Thomas. Enlisted from Chicago March 29th, 1864. 
Wounded in the thigh May 20th, 1864. Died in hospital, June 22d, 
1864, from wounds. 

Bartlett, Asher. Enlisted March 3d, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Breckenberg, Charles. Enlisted March 2d, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Baddow, Fred. Enlisted April 12th, 1865. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 

Burton, Samuel J. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Cherry, Luke. Enlisted from Chicago February 1st, 1862. Veteran. 
Wounded in the arm and shoulder, and taken prisoner August 16th, 
1864, at the battle of Deep Run, Va. 

Cherry died at Chicago, 111., October 7th, 1887, from what the doctor 
in attendance called a fit of apoplexy. For some years prior to his death 
he had suffered from lung and heart trouble, due indirectly to his wounds, 
and became partly paralyzed in the left arm. After leaving the service he 
was employed most of the time as janitor of a building in Chicago. 

Carr, Henry. Enlisted from Le Roy February 13th, 1862. Transferred 
to Company I August 1st, 1862. 

CrottS, Silas. Enlisted February 13th, 1862. Killed September 23d, 
1863, at Fort Gregg, S. C. 

Casey, Edward. EnlistedfromChicagoFebruary 28th, 1862. Veteran. 
Taken prisoner October 13th, 1864; paroled and exchanged. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Clifford, George A. Enlisted from Chicago February 4th, 1864. 
Discharged by order of War Department July 7th, 1864. 

Corrigan, William. Enlisted from Mt. Pleasant June 21st, 1862. 
Deserted August 3d, 1865, at Norfolk, Va. 

Conlin, Owen. Enlisted from Chicago March 24th, 1864. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 

Clayton, Francis M. Enlisted March 3d, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. Is living at Rocklin, California. 

Campbell, Alexander. Enlisted March 3d. 1865. Promoted Cor- 
poral May 14th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Calbeck, William. Enlisted February 28th, 1865. Promoted Corporal 
May 10th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY H— PRIVATES. 505 

Cochlin, Davis. Enlisted from Fairbmy February 18th, 186'_>. Wounded 
in the thigh August 16th, 1864. Died in hospital, August 2()th, 1864, 
from wounds. 
Creswell, Samuel. Enlisted April 8th, 1865. Discharged August 

18th, 1865, for disability. 
Dickinson, James. Enlisted from Pittsfield April 5th, 1862. Mus- 
tered out May 9th, 1865, at expiration of service. 
Davis, Isaac T. Enlisted from Monticello June 28th, 1862. Deserted 

October 13th, 1863. 
Derrick, Albert. Enlisted from Padua February 12th. 1864. Wounded 
in leg October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Mustered 
out July 25th, 1865, for disability. 
Donald, George. Enlisted February 24th. 1865, under the name of 
John O'Brien, in order to. elude his guardians and get into the service. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Milwaukee, Wis. 
Dickson, John. Enlisted April 8th, 1864. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 
Donahue, Patrick. Enlisted April 8th, 1864. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 
Everett, Eli J. Enlisted from Le Roy February 6th, 1862. Transferred 

to Company I August 1st, 1862. 
EdminstOn, M. B. Enlisted February ISth, 1862. Promoted Corporal. 

and discharged October 9th, 1862, for disability. 
Eastman, James P. Enlisted from P«^c^tonic\May 1st 1862 
Wounded in the foot June 7th, 1864. Mustered out May 9th. Ihbo. at 
expiration of service. Is living at Rivermore, Mmn. 
Goff James O. Enlisted from Pecatonica March 17th, 1862. Mus- 
tered out March 25th, 1865, at expiration of service. 
Gairon, Ulmer. * Enlisted from Kingston Mines February 27th, 1862 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal November 4th, 1864; Sergeant April. 
2d. 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1866. 
Gardner, John W. Enlisted from Delta September 11th, 1861. Trans- 
fe"fed from Company F August 1st, 1862. Mustered out September 
lOth, 1864, at expiration of service. Is living at Le Koy, 111. 

Gardner, Mahlon. Enlisted from Le Roy Sept^^^b^.;^ '"''jJoTed 
Veteran. Transferred from Company I August 1st, 1862. Promoted 
Corporal September 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is 
living at Savbrook, 111. 

Hager, J. D. B. Enlisted March 18th, 1862. Mustered out March 23d, 
1865, at expiration of service. 

Hagins, Daniel. Enlisted from Springfield April I4th, 1862. Wounded 
in the arm May 20th, 1864. Mustered out June 20th. 186... at expirn 
tion of service. 

Hornberger, George. Enlisted '^-^J^^^^.t^^lr'Susl^rea 
Wounded April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Oiegg, 
out June 20th. 1865, at expiration of service. 

Howell, William. Enlisted from Cerro Gordo June 28th, 1862. Killed 
August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, \ a. 



506 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



1 



Johnson, William. Enlisted from Hitesville June 16th, 1862. Wound- 
ed August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Mustered out June 20th, 1865, 
at expiration of service. 

Jared, Thomas. Enlisted March 3d, 1865. Promoted Corporal May 
10th, 1865; Sergeant September 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Johnson, William H. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Deserted October 

27th. 1865. 

King, George B. Enlisted from Le Roy March -Ith, 1862. Died at 
Hilton Head, S. C, of disease, August 7th, 1863. 

Kimbler, Charles W. Enlisted from Downs May 28th, 1862. Wound- 
ed and taken prisoner August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. Mustered 
out June 28th, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Kohn, John. Enlisted March 3d, 1865.* Mustered out December 6th, 

1865. 

KautZ, George. Enlisted March 31st, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Lucas, Henry. Enlisted from Randolph March 1st, 1862. Veteran. 
Wounded in the arm October 13th, 1864. Promoted Corporal May 
10th, 1865. Discharged June 24th, 1865, for disability. 

Lewis, Lorenzo. Enlisted from Clark June 26th, 1862. Mustered 
out June 20th, 1865, at expiration of service. Is living at Champaign, 
Illinois. 

Lakey, James A. Enlisted March 3d, 1865. Promoted Corporal 
September 1st, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Lattimer, Louis. Enlisted February 15th, 1865. Discharged May 
27th, 1865, for disability. 

Lawrence, Daniel W. Enlisted March 1st, 1865. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. 

Lace, Philip M. Enlisted from Pontiac January 5th, 1864. Pro- 
moted Principal Musician. (See Regimental Band.) 

Maloney, Richard. Enlisted from Wilmington March 13th, 1862. 
Mustered out March 23d, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Morley, William R. Enlisted from Santa Anna April 13th, 1862. 
Mustered out May 9th, 1865, at expiration of service. 

After leaving the service Morley engaged in teaching, and subse- 
quently held various responsible clerkships in Government office and else- 
where. Is now living at Farmer City, 111., engaged in the grocery business. 
He is the permanent Secretary of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Veteran Asso- 
ciation. 

McNally, John. Enlisted from Le Roy February 6th, 1861. Promoted 
Corporal July 24th, 1862. Reduced to the ranks November 3d, 1862. 
Transferred to the Fourth U. S. Artillery December 5th, 1862. 

Martin, Daniel J. J. Enlisted from Santa Anna June 13th, 1862. 
Mustered out June 20th, 1865, at expiration of service. Is living at 
Marionville, Mo. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY H— PRIVATES. 507 

Mott, William J. Enlisted from Chicago March 1st, 1862. Trans- 
ferred to the U. S. Signal Corps, April 23d, 1863. 

iVIcGinnis, William. Enlisted from Kingston Mines February 1st, 

1862. Deserted July 4th, 1862. 
Morgan, E. A. Enlisted from Paris June 28th, 1862. Died April 1st, 

1865. 
Morris, William M. Enlisted February 13th, 1865. Mustered out 

December 6th, 1865. 
Miller, John B. Enlisted April 8th, 1865. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 
Middleton, Daniel. Enlisted April Ith, 1862. Deserted August 3d, 

1865. 
Newport, Henry. Enlisted from Paris June 19th, 1862. Wounded 
in the leg August 16th, 1864. Mustered out June 20th, 1865, at 
expiration of service. Is living at Mt. Carmel, 111. 
Needham, Washington. Enlisted March 31st, 1865. Mustered 

out December 6th, 1865. 
O'Harra, James. Enlisted from Springfield April 5th, 1862. Dis- 
charged November 1st, 1862, for disability. 
Owens, Thomas. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber eth, 1865. 
Potts, Frederick. Veteran. Enlisted from Randolph March 1st, 
1862. Promoted Corporal January 13th, 1865; Sergeant March 20th, 
1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Gibson, 111. 
Potts, Edward. Enlisted from Randolph March 31st, 1862. Mus- 
tered out May 9th, 1865, at expiration of service. Is living at Hey- 
worth, 111. (The Adjutant General's report says he lost a leg.) 
Preeler J Frank. Enlisted from Chicago February 1st, 1862. Vet- 
eran.' Wounded October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va.; , 
leg amputated. Taken prisoner; paroled and exchanged. Mustered 
out October 17th, 1865, for disability. Is living at Kingston Mines, 
Illinois. 
Porter, James H. Enlisted March 16th, 1862. Veteran. T!'"""^ ^ 
in the head November 1st, 1863, on Morris Island, b. C. Desertea 
August 3d, 1865. 
Pickens, Samuel. Enlisted from Paris June 17th, 1862. Trans- 
ferred to Fourth U. S. Artillery November 4th, 1862. 
Porter, John S. Enlisted March 3d, 1862. Transferred to Company 

C, Thirty-Ninth Illinois, April 1st, 1863. 
Phillips, Gideon. Enlisted from Chicago February 12th, 1864. 

Killed August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, \ a. 
Price, Robert. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 
Russell, Edward. Enlisted from Chicago April 5th, 1862. Trans- 
ferred to the U. S. Artillery. 
Rush, James. Enlisted from Springfield April 5th, 1862. Died Au- 
gust 8th, 1862, from disease. 



508 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Robinson, Hiram. Enlisted from Fairbury March 29th 1862 
Wounded in the side and hip September 7th, 1864, near Petersburg' 
Va. Mustered out May 9th, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Rose, Henry C. Enlisted from Pittsfield April 5th, 1862 Taken 
prisoner January 5th, 1863. Died in Andersonville prison Ga Sen- 
tember 27th, 1864. ^ ' "' ^ 

Reese, Amos B. Enlisted from Le Roy February 94th 1862 
Wounded in left thigh May 23d, 1864, near Hatcher's Run, Va.' Died 
in hospital, from wounds, June 22d, 1864. 

Spong, Joiin. Enlisted from Kingston Mines February 27th 1862 
Veteran. Discharged June 26th, 1865, by order of War Department" 
Is living at Everton, Mo. 

Spong, Augustus. Enlisted from Kingston Mines February '>7th 
1862. Discharged May 27th, 1863, for disability. Is living at Glass- 
ford, 111. 

Shackley, Joseph. Enlisted from Le Roy April 7th, 186'' Mus- 
tered out May 9th, 1865, at expiration of service. 

Seymour, William H. Enlisted from Thornton March 12th 186'' 
Deserted May 12th, 1863. ' 

Savage, Patrick. Enlisted March 12th, 1862. Drowned in the San- 
gamon river, Illinois, June, 1862. 

Smith, Isaac. Enlisted from Bloomington February 95th 1864 
Wounded May 20th, 1864, and August 16th, 1864. Transferred to 
Veteran Reserve Corps April 17th, 1865. 

SmitFl, William. Enlisted from Bloomington February 25th. 1864. 
Died in hospital, of disease, September, 1864. 

Schaefer, Frank. Enlisted from Chicago March 31st, 1864 Taken 
prisoner October 2d, 1864. Not heard from since; supposed died in 
prison. 

Sweiger, Jacob. Enlisted February 25th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Shoudorf, Ferdinand. Enlisted February 27th, 1865. Deserted 
June 22d, 1865, at Richmond, Va. 

Straub, Jacob. Enlisted April 6th, 1865. Deserted October 27th 
1865, at Norfolk, Va. 

Sutter, John. Enlisted April 12th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 
1865. 

Taylor, Richard. Enlisted March 12th, 1862. Deserted Mav 25th 
1862, at Springfield, 111. ^ 

Trumble, George W. Enlisted from Le Roy March 1st, 186'' 
\Vounded October 13th, 1864, at Darby town Cross-Roads. Died in 
hospital, from wounds. 

Taylor, John. Enlisted from Springfield February 1st 186'' Pro- 
moted Corporal May 24th, 1865. Reduced to the ranks June 10th. 
1865. Mustered out June 20th, 1865. 

Twigger, George. Enlisted from Chicago March 25th, I862. Mus- 
tered out as Corporal December 6th, 1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY H— PRIVATES. 509 

-TovPra Thomas J. Enlisted from Blooraington July 1st 1862. 
^Sered out June 20th, 1865, at expiration of service. Is hvmg at 

Le Roy, 111. 
VanSchoick, John. Enlisted from Le Roy April 8th, 1862. Trans- 
ferred to Company I September, 1862. 
\/pl^ntine William. Enlisted March 4th, 1865. Promoted Cor- 
^ Tora^June 28;h, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 
Ward ram R. S. C Enlisted March 4th, 1862. Mustered out March 
^ 23d Ss, ai expiVation of service. Is living at Topeka, Kansas. 
.w ^ ^v^ n]^-:3v\(^<=. A Enlisted from Chicago March 4th, 1862. 
^^ Wou^nTed?n^TmTugt 16tt 1864. MusteredU March 23d, 1865, 
at expiration of service. 
Wardram was a letter-carrier for some years in Chicago, ^1-6 wh-h 
he has been engaged at his trade, that of carpenter. Is Imng at Topeka, 
Kansas. 
Williams, William. Enlisted ^-m Chicago February 11th, 1862. 

Deserted June 22d, 1862, at Sprmgfield, 111. 
Wvatt Edward. Enlisted from Springfield April 8th, 1862. Mus- 
^^TerLd ouriuiy 13th, 1865, at expiration of service. 
Wilson, John S. Enlisted from Santa Anna August 20th, ^^^^^^^^^^ Vet- 
Tot^d 'S:^tJ;Z, [867XcL?ge«y .th, 1865, for dis- 
ability. , . „„ 

Weston, James D. Enlisted March 4th, 1865. Mustered out De- 

cember 6th, 1865. 
Worthy, Henry. Enlisted April 7th, 1865. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 



i 



510 SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES, ETC. 



SUMMAEY OF CASUALTIES, EtC. 

Killed in battle 5 

Died of wounds 5 

Died of disease 5 

Died in prison 1 

Drowned 1 

Taken prisoner 8 

Wounded 29 

Lost limbs 3 

Discharged for disability 11 

Mustered out at expiration of service 32 

Deserted 13 

Transferred 7 

Number originally enlisted 77 

Recruits 55 

Re-enlisted 13 

Number returned home at muster-out 51 

Number known to be living (1889) 30 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



Company I — How Recruited— Roster and Biographies— Summary of Cas- 
ualties, Etc. 



History of Company I. 
rpHIS company was principally recruited at Le Roy. Illi- 

nois, by Hiram M. Phillips, wlio liad seen some service 
in the Mexican war as a soldier, and found but little diffi- 
culty in gathering men to his standard for the '• three years' 
service." It was organized on September 6th, and mustered 
into the service October 11th, 1801, at Camp Mather, Chi- 
cago. 

Company I took part in the skirmish with Jackson's 
forces at Bath, Ya., some of the time being on the skirmish 
line or outpost duty; but the chief duty given to it on the 
4th of January was supporting Lieutenant Muhlenberg's 
Artillery in its position on Warm Spring Ridge. It was a 
magnificent body of men— the majority of them were large ' 
in form, robust in muscle, young and spirited,— and at the 
time of muster into the United States service was nearly 
full to the maximum limit. It took part in all the battles, 
skirmishes and movements of the regiment, doing its full 
duty in the most acceptable manner. 

The First and Second Lieutenants were both killed in 
action— one (Lemon) on the 10th day of August, 1804, at 
Deep Run, Va. ; and the other (Fellows) on the ()th day of 
September in a skirmish with the enemy near AVier Bottom 

church, Va. 

Forty-one of the original members accepted veteran 
honors in January, 1804, determined to see the finish of the 

511 



512 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

war or perish in the attempt. The roster will show how 
many of these were permitted to return home at the muster- 
out of the regiment. It is perhaps unnecessary to say that 
it always maintained a high order of discipline under the 
old veteran, Captain Phillips, who was wounded and taken 
to Libby prison the lOth of May, 1864. 

The survivors, now numbering some seventy, and who 
are widely scattered, are fully justified in calling it the ban- 
ner company of the regiment. 



EosTEE OF Company I. 

Captain Hiram M.Phillips. Commissioned September 6th, 1861. 
Wounded in the hand and taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at the battle 
of Drury's Blufif, Va. Mustered out December 5th, 1864, at expiration 
of service. 

Captain Phillips was born in Piketon, Pike county, Ohio, February 
1st, 1822. When he was seven years of age his parents removed with him 
to Indiana, where his youth was spent in attending school and in teaching. 
When he had reached his twenty-fourth year he enlisted in Company G, 
First Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Colonel John J. Harding commanding, 
for the Mexican war, and served for one year, that being the term of his 
enlistment. During that period he participated in the battle of Buena 
Vista under General Taylor. After his return from Mexico he settled in 
Illinois, which has since been his home. 

September 6th, 1861, he commenced the organization of a company 
for the civil war, and in a short time, with the assistance of Emory L. 
WaUer and Albert W. Fellows, had nearly the full complement of men, and 
started with it for Chicago, where it was assigned as Company I, in the 
Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. 

On the 16th day of May, 1864, at the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., he 
was wounded in the hand and taken prisoner, and was confined in Libby 
prison, Richmond, Va., for three months and eight days, when he was 
paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md., where he was discharged from the 
service on account of disability. He had then served for three years and 
four months, and was more than entitled to " muster-out " by reason of 
expiration of service. 

After his discharge Captain Phillips returned to his home at Le Roy, 
111., much broken in health from his long service and imprisonment, and 
on January 24th, 1877, he was stricken down with paralysis, and since that 
time has been a helpless invalid, never having been able in the past twelve 
years to walk one step unassisted. The Government, however, has been 





r:\ 









^ 



y^ 

i-^' 



i* 



Vi. 



i 



^ r, o VA/ r^ I IFWFTT Co E 3. LiEUT. EMILE GUNTZ, Co. K. 

1. Capt G. O. SNOWDEN, Co. D. 2. W. O. L. JEWETT, Oo. t. o. >- r.i i MORE Col 

c /^.„, c r MVPRS Co K 6. Capt. SAM L GILLMOHt, 1./0. i. 

4. EDWARD HIRST, Co. I. 5. Capt. E. C. MYEKt>, oo. ^. o. _ „^^.,.„ 

7. Capt. JAS. H. HOOKER, Co. E. 8. J. M. HAZZARD, Co. E. 



9. Quartermaster S. W. HOFFMAN. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY I— OFFICERS. 513 

generous towards him in the mtitter of pension, and he is enabled to live 
in some comfort in so far as bread and butter is concerned, but nothing 
can ever compensate him for his loss of health, and great suffering, these 
many years. 

Captain Phillips was noble in his manhood, brave and fearless in the 
performance of duty; he was loved by the men he commanded and had the 
respect of all who knew him. He was intensely patriotic, and a great lover 
of the "old flag;" and to-day, amid all his privation and suffering, he gives 

voice to the sentiment " Long may the starry flag of my country wave, 

the pride and delight of all her citizens — the envy of the whole world! " 
The Captain is now living at No. 911 N. Prairie street, Bloomington, 111. 

Captain Samuel Gillmore. Wounded in both thighs May 16th, 
1864, at the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. Was retained as an officer in 
the Freedman's Bureau after muster out of the regiment, December 
6th, 1865. Was mustered out March 20th, 1866. 

Samuel Gillmore was born in Harrison county, Ohio, July 25th, 1838; 
removed to McLean county, Illinois, in the year 1852. He was raised on a 
farm, where his youth and early manhood were spent. At the age of twen- 
ty-three years he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers, 
joining his company at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo. While at Harri- 
son's Landing, Va., he was taken sick with typhoid pneumonia and was 
sent to the hospital at Bedloe's Island, New York harbor. This was in 
August, 1862, and he rejoined the regiment while it was at Suffolk, Va., in 
December, 1862. May 16th, 1864, he was wounded through both hips by a 
musket ball, and sent to hospital, and was absent from his company until 
the following September. These were the only occasions when he was 
absent from duty at the front. 

Captain Gillmore was a thorough soldier, and by strict attention to 
duty, and the accidents of war, rose from the grade of Sergeant to that of 
Captain commanding the company in the period of four months time. .\t 
the assault on Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865, he was the first man to reach 
the parapet of the fort, not because of his being more eager or brave, but 
because he could run faster, as he states. He claims the honor of com- 
manding the first body of infantry troops that opened fire upon the rebels 
between Appomattox Station and Appomattox Court-House, as he led 
Companies I and F on the skirmish line that morning of April yth, 1865. 

Captain Gillmore occupied many responsible positions after the sur- 
render of Lee. He was the Provost-marshal at City Point, Va., in July, 
1865; also Provost-marshal and Provost Judge of the Southeastern District 
of Virginia, with headquarters at Norfolk. He was also on the staff of 
Major-General A. T. A. Torbert, commanding at Norfolk; and later on was 
detached for service in the Bureau of R. F. and A. lands in Southampton 
county, Va., being retained until March 20th, 1866, when he was mustered 
out of the service. He is now residing at Chase, Kansas. 

33 



514 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

First Lieutenant Emory L. Waller. Commissioned Septem- 
ber 6th, 1861. Resigned January 4th, 1862. 

Nothing is known of Lieutenant Waller since he left the service. 

First Lieutenant James D. Lemon. Wounded in the breast 
August 16th, 1864, at the battle of Deep Run, Va. Died in hospital, 
from his wounds, August 20th, 1864. 

Nothing is known concerning Lieutenant Lemon's early history. He 
was a brave man, very quiet in manner but of a genial and social nature, 
and was much respected by all who knew him. 

First Lieutenant Samuel Gillmore. Promoted Captain, August 

20th, 1864, vice Phillips, mustered ont. 

First Lieutenant Joseph W. Neal. Wounded in the thigh 

June 16th, 1864. Wounded in left arm, April 2d, 1865; arm ampu- 
tated. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

In August and September, 1865, Lieutenant Neal served as Provost- 
marshal of the Steamer " Georgiana," and was the Assistant Provost-mar- 
shal at Norfolk, Va., in October, November and part of December, 1865. 
The Lieutenant was an excellent and deserving soldier and gallantly won 
his bar. He is living at Hillsdale, Kansas. 

Second Lieutenant Albert W. Fellows. Commissioned Sep- 
tember 6th, 1861. Killed in a skirmish with the enemy June 2d, 1864, 
near Wier Bottom church, Va. 

It is much to be regretted that we have no further record of this 
capable and worthy man and soldier. He was killed on the field while 
confronting the enemy. He possessed many noble qualities of heart and 
head, and was much respected by the men under his command and his fel- 
low officers. He entered the regiment from Santa Anna, 111. 

Second Lieutenant Samuel Gillmore. Promoted First Lieu- 
tenant September 5th, 1864, vice Lemon, died of wounds. 

Second Lieutenant Noah L. Robinson. Not mustered on 
commission. Mustered out December 6th, 1865, at expiration of 
service, as First Sergeant. 

First Sergeant L. H. Parks. Enlisted from Le Roy September 
4th, 1861. Reduced to the ranks June 27th, 1862. Mustered out 
September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. Died in 1887. 

Sergeant Chauncey Williams. Enlisted from Le Roy Septem- 
ber 4th, 1861. Transferred to Company H and commissioned 
Captain. (See Company H.) 

Sergeant O. P. Nelson. Enlisted from Le Roy September 14th, 
1861. Veteran. Taken prisoner May 26th, 1862; paroled and 
exchanged. Taken prisoner again. May 16th, 1864, at Drury's BlufiE, 
Va. Died in prison. 

Sergeant W. C. McMurry. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 
4th, 1861. Taken prisoner May IGth, 1864, at Drury's Blufif, Va. 
Mustered out March 16th, 1865, at expiration of service. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY I— PRIVATES. 515 

Sergeant J. D. Lemon. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th, 
1.S61. Promoted First Lieutenant June 14th, 1862. 

Sergeant Joseph W. Neal. Enlisted from Santa Anna Septem- 
ber 4th, 18(31. Veteran. Promoted First Lieutenant February 7th. 
1865. 

Corporal Franklin Kimbler. Enlisted from Le Roy September 
4th, 1861. Reduced to the ranks March 6th, 1862. Mustered out 
September 11th, 1864, at expiration of service. Is living at Le Roy, 
Illinois. 

Corporal John A. Bean. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 
4th, 1861. Reduced to the ranks March 6th, 1862. Killed October 
27th, 1864, in a skirmish with the enemy near Darbytown Cross- 
Roads, Va. 

Corporal Noah L. Robinson. Enlisted from Le Roy September 
4th, 1861. Promoted First Sergeant February 7th, 1865, and Second 
Lieutenant October 4th, 1865, but was not mustered. Died in 1886. 

Corporal E. H. Keith. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. 
Transferred and promoted Hospital Steward, U. S. Army, Sejitem- 
ber 2d, 1862. 

Corporal Joseph W. Neal. Enlisted September 4th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted First Sergeant September 5th, 1864. 

Corporal William W. Lyon. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 
1861. Discharged July 7th, 1862, for disability. Is living at Cadmus, 
Kansas. 

Corporal C. W. Clearwater. Enlisted from Santa Anna Septem- 
ber 4th, 1861. Discharged July 4th, 1863, for disability. 

Corporal Thomas J. Johnson. Enlisted from Santa Anna Sep- 
tember 4th, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Sergeant January 1st, 1865. 
Mustered out with regiment. Is living at Farmer City, 111. 



Privates. 



Bailey, Perry. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. Dis- 
charged July 4th, 1863, for disability. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 

Brown, John F. Enlisted from McLean county September 4th. 18(;i. 
Wounded June 16th, 1864. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at 
expiration of service. 

Brennan, James. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal September 1st, 1864; Sergeant April 
2d, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Berry, John. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th. 1861. 
Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered out Oc- 
tober 18th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Bailey, David. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th. 1861. Veteran. 
Killed April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 

Bean, B. L. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. Discharged 
November 1st, 1862, for disability. 



516 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Bowen, James R. Enlisted from Champaign October 3d, 1861. i 
Taken prisoner May 20th, 1864, at Wier Bottom church, Va. 

Baker, Israel S. Enlisted from Le Roy September 18th, 1861. 
Drowned May 30th, 1863, at Folly Island, S. C. 

Bishop, Reese. Enlisted from Le Roy October 18th, 1861. Pro- 
moted Sergeant-Major and transferred to non-commissioned staflE 
July 15th, 1862. (See Non-Commissioned Staff.) 

Beard, John P. S. Enlisted from Le Roy February 13th, 1864. 
Wounded in the leg June 2d, 1864. Died of disease, at Springfield, 
111., February 1st, 1865. 

Blandin, John K. Enlisted from Santa Anna February 16th, 1864. 
Wounded in the hip April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 
Discharged May 31st, 1865, by order War Department. 

Baker, James W. Enlisted from Le Roy February 28th, 1864. 
Wounded in the neck May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Blufif, Va. 

BeanblOSSOm, Ira. Enlisted April nth, 1865. (Substitute.) 

Craig, L. E. W. Enlisted September 4th, 1861. Taken prisoner May 
20th, 1862, at Strasburgh, Va. Discharged June 28th, 1862. 

Carr, James. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal September 5th, 1864. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Clark, Lake. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 14th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 28th, 1862, for disability. Is living at Winchester, 
Kansas. 

Creagar, James B. Enlisted from Le Roy October 6th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Sergeant June 27th, 1862. Wounded in the breast 
C)ctober 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Discharged July 
8th, 1865, for disability from wounds. 

Carr, Henry. Enlisted from Le Roy October 13th, 1862. Mustered 
out December 6th, 1865. 

Craig, John. Enlisted from Le Roy October 18th, 1861. Died of dis- 
ease, in South Carolina (Folly Island), November 22d, 1863. 

COSS, Alexander. Enlisted from Le Roy September 23d, 1861. Pro- 
moted Corporal May 1st, 1864. Wounded in the leg May 16th, 1864, 
at Drury's Bluff, Va. Discharged August 5th, 1865, for disability 
from wounds. 

Clark, Marion. Enlisted from Champaign October 16th, 1861. Dis- 
charged May 31st, 1862, for disability. 

Charleston, Richard C. Enlisted from Le Roy October 13th, 1861. 
Veteran. Taken prisoner May 26th, 1864, at Strasburgh, Va.; pa- 
roled and exchanged. Promoted Corporal October 9th, 1865. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Collins, James. Enlisted from New York City August 28th, 1861. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 

Canady, Calvin. Enlisted from Le Roy February 26th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 

Canady, George W. Enlisted from Le Roy February 26th, 1864. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY I— PRIVATES. 517 

Coats, A. D. Enlisted from Franklin county April 11th. 1S65. Mus- 
tered out August 18th, 1865, by order of War Department. 

Draoer Abraham. Enlisted from Mahomet September 14th, 1801. 
Veteran. \Younded in arm and side October 13th, 18(U, at battle of 
Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Died in hospital, from wounds, October 
15th, 1864. 

nunlao Lewis. Enlisted from Cheny's Grove September 4th. 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal October 27th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865, with regiment. Is living at Stanford, 111. 

Don Carlos, Thomas. Enlisted December 28th, 1863. Discharged 
September 1st. 1864, for disability. (Not in Adjutant Generals 
report.) 
Davis, James M. Enlisted from Le Roy February 22d. 1864 Wound- 
ed in the head October 13th, 1864. Promoted Corporal April 4th. 
1865. Is living at Dewey, 111. 
Dill, Willis A. Enlisted April 4th, 1865. Mustered out December 

'oth, 1865. 
Everett E. J. Enlisted February 6th, 1862. Veteran. Wounded in 

the shoulder May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, \a. 

Fverett T J. Enlisted from Le Roy October 1st. 1861. Mustered 

out October 8th. 1864, at expiration of service. Is livmg at Dodge 

City, Kansas. 

Ford Newton J. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 9th 1861. 

^''^Voundedi? the hand and neck May l^tb' If ^^ f * I>7^7;^ ^^^^^ ' '^• 

Was taken prisoner, and died in prison October loth, 1864. 
rood in Hiram Enlisted from De Witt February 4th. 1861. ^yound- 
^ ^d May 16tha864 at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered out July 22d. 18..4, 

at expiration of service. 
Grooms John W. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th. isr.l. 
^'""vSetan Taken prisoner May 26th, 1862 at Strasburgh, ^a.. 

paroled and exchanged. Is living at Le Roy, ill. 
Grooms, Irwin M. Enlist.d from Le Roy September 17th. 1861. 

Veteran. Promoted Corporal October 24th, I860. 
Gardner, Mahlon. Enlisted from ^e Roy September J'th. 1861 
Veteran. Transferred to Company H August 1st, 1862. Is living 
Saybrook, 111. 

Gardner, John W. Enlisted f-- De"^ ^^^^ ,\'*t Ko l 
Transferred to Company H August 1st, 186.. is uvinj, 

Illinois. 

Gesford, William. Enlisted from Santa Anna September li.th, 1861. 

Discharged July 18th, 1862, for disability. 

Grooms, Martin V. En'i.iea fto i.;^K°J \'i>\-|'';J^f;a'S 

White Heath, 111. 
Griffith, Daniel. Enli^^ted from BloomU^ton ^^--^/^^^^t'olet 
Wounded in the shoulder, August 16th. 1864. luu.iei 
ber 10th, 1865, at expiration of service. 



518 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Gillmore, Samuel. Enlisted October 16th, 1861. Veteran. Pro- 
moted Corporal; to Sergeant June 27th, 1862. 

Goltra, Joseph W. Enlisted from Lincoln October 19th, 1861. 
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, November 15th, 1863. 

GibbS, Simeon. Enlisted from Le Roy October 4th, 1861. Dis- 
charged October 14th, 1862, for disability. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 

Green, Martin R. Enlisted from Le Roy January 1st, 1864. Deserted 
September 24th, 1864. 

Graham, Joseph. Enlisted April lOth, 1865. (Substitute.) Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Hurley, Lewis. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th, 1861. 
Veteran. Killed May 16th, 1864, at battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. 

Hoover, John. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th, 1861. 
Veteran. Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Wounded in the thigh August 18th, 1863, at Fort Wagner, S. C. 

Halloway, Philip M. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th, 
1861. Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Is living at Farmer City, 111. 

Hurst, Edward. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 6th, 1861. 
Killed in battle August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. 

Hirst, James. Enlisted from Champaign October 2d, 1861. Dis- 
charged July 4th, 1863, for disability that originated from a cold 
contracted in fording the Potomac river, January 4th, 1862. Is 
living at Farmer City, 111. 

Hand, John M. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 20th, 1861. 
Mustered out Sejitember 20th, 1864, at expiration of service. Is 
living at Lawrenceburg, Kansas. 

Hoover, Columbus. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 21st, 
1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal May 11th, 1862; Sergeant Oc- 
tober 10th, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at 
Havana, 111. 

Hallowell, Robert C. Enlisted from Le Roy September ISth, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Principal Musician September 1st, 1863. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 

Hallowell, John E. W. Enlisted from Le Roy September 18th, 1861. 
Veteran. Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Dis- 
charged June 29th, 1865, for disability. Is living at Belleville, Kansas. 

Hashman, Lewis. Enlisted from Springfield December 30th, 1862. 
Wounded in the neck May 20th, 1864, in the battle of Wier Bottom 
church, Va. Discharged June 15th, 1865, for disability from wounds. 
Is living at Ottawa, Kansas. 

Hoover, Theodore. Enlisted from Santa Anna February 18th, 1864. 
Wounded in the arm May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Mustered 
out June 15th, 1865. 

Hancock, Erastus B. Enlisted from Randolph March 1st, 1864. 
Wounded in the foot April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. 
Mustered out June 15th, 1865, for wound. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY I— PRIVATES. 519 

le-sa Henry Enlisted from Le Roy September 24th, 18(51. Veteran. 
Wounded May 16th, 1864. in the head, and October 7th, 1864, in the 
back, severely. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 
Johnson, John S. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th. 1861. 

Discharged July 1st, 1862, for disability. 
Johnson, Thomas J. Enlisted September 4th, 1861. Veteran. 
Promoted Corporal September 2yth, 1861 ; Sergeant January 1 s . I860. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Farmer City, 111. 
Inhnson Joshua H. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. 
-^^^ Veteran Womuled May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff Va Promoted 
Corporal April 2d, 1865. Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living 
at Atchison, Kansas. 
lohnson Abiram B. Enlisted from Le Roy September 12th. I86I. 
*^° p??moted Coinnlissary Sergeant January 24th, 1862, and transferred 
to non-commissioned staff. Is living at Le Roy, 111. (See Non-Com- 
missioned Staff.) 
lohtT^on Georee W. B. Enlisted from Empire January 1st, 1864. 
^°^ Wounde??n tlfe knee October 13th. 1864. at the battle of Darby own 
Cioss-Roads, Va. Discharged May 2d, 1865, under order of ^^ar De- 
partment, Is living at Gilson, 111. 
larkson James. Enlisted from Bloomington February 12th, 1864. 
Muste'red oT&cember 6th, 1865, with regiment. Is living at Ree 
Heights, Dakota. 
Johnson Joel B. Enlisted from Santa Anna, March 10th, 1864. 
*^° "bounded ^rayT6th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va Discharged June 2d, 

1864, for disability, at Point of Rocks hospital, Va. 
Johnson J H. Enlisted from Franklin county April nth, 1865. Dis- 
charged May 3d, 1865, by order War Department. 
Jones, Samuel. .Enlisted Apnl 4th, 1865. Mustered out December 

6th, 1865. 
Kimbler "william. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. Mus- ■ 

t^rfd o^Sepfember 13th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Kirbv John W. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th 1861. 
•^"H^oundeTin the thigh May ^Oth, 1864 at Wier Bottom chu ch, X a 
Discharged April 13th, 1865, for disability from wounds. 1. living 
Cadmus. Kansas. 
k-imhlPr Beniamin E. Enlisted from Le Roy September 18th. I86I 
•^'"^DifcL^ed^ifpTember 12th, 1862, for disability. Is living at Pleasant 

Mount, Missouri. 
Keys, Daniel T. Enlisted April .5th, 1865. Mustered out December 

Kenhowen Thomas. Enlisted April 12th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Littleton, William S. .^""t? Ircu'SXnd'irdTFl'blut';: S 

Died from disease, in hospital at Cumbeiiana, .uu., 

Lonebarger George E„H«.^f.„„, ^^^^"^^ Mu'sS 



520 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Lyon, Martin V. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1S61. Died 
from disease, in hospital at Hancock, Md., January 18th, 1862. 

Lysle, John. Enlisted from Le Roy September 20th, 1861. Trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. Mustered out Sejitember 20th, 
1864, at expiration of service. Is living at Bloomington, 111. 

Lamb, M. W. Enlisted from Le Roy October 13th, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded in the head May 20th, 1864. Died in hospital, from wounds, 
October 29th, 1864. 

Lemon, Richard A. Enlisted from Le Roy February 26th, 1864. 
Discharged June 1st, 1864, by order War Department. 

Littleton, Van Buren. Enlisted from Bloomington September 24th, 
1864. Discharged June 21st, 1865, by order War Department. 

MarcelliOUS, Jacob S. Enlisted from Delta September 14th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in the leg October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross- 
Roads, Va. Promoted Corporal August 1st, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 186.5. 

McGrade, James. Enlisted from McLean county October 8th, 1861. 
Mustered out October 8th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

McKinney, Charles A. Enlisted from Le Roy October 13th, 1861. 
Wounded in the side. May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va. Promoted 
Corporal January 1st, 1863. Wounded again, April 2d, 1865. at 
assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Promoted Sergeant August 1st, 1865. 
Discharged October 1st, 1865, by order of War Department. Is 
living at Holoday, Missouri. 

MarcelliOUS, John J. Enlisted from Delta February 15th. 1864. 
Discharged May 2d, 1864, for disability. 

McCoy, Orlando. Enlisted from Le Roy February 23d, 1864. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Miller, Albert. Enlisted February 16th, 1864. Taken ^jrisoner at 
battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16th, 1864. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Neal, Silas. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. Veteran. 
Mustered out December 6th. 1865. 

Neal, Henry T. Enlisted from Le Roy September 14th, 1861. Dis- 
charged June 28th, 1862, for disability. 

Neal, Amos. Enlisted from Santa Anna February 28th, 1864. Dis- 
charged June 22d, 1865, by order War Department. Is living at 
Farmer City, 111. 

Poff, Henry M. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 21st, 1861. 
Discharged July 4th, 1863, for disability. 

Porter, Joseph. Enlisted September 22d, 1861. Deserted October 
3()th, 1861. 

Prey, Nelson. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. Dis- 
charged April 30th, 1863, for disability. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 

Parks, Benjamin F. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th. 1861. 
Wounded in the hand August 16th, 1864. Mustered out October 8th, 
1864, at expiration of service. Is living at Montida, Kansas. 



ROSTER OF COMPAXY 1— PRIVATES. 521 

PattOn, Francis M. Enlisted February loth, 186-4. Wounded iu the 
right foot, in the trenches before Petersburg, Ya.. August 3()th. 18«i4. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Saybrook, 111. 

Perry, Arthur. Enlisted from Waukegan February 10th. 1864. Dis- 
charged August 20th, 1864, for disability. 

Pratt, T. J. Enlisted February 23d. 1864. Mustered out December 
6t'h. 1865. 

Page, John G. Enlisted April 5tb, 1865. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 

Robertson, George P. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th, 
1861. Discharged November 3d, 1863. for disability. Is living at 
Monticello. 111. 

Ream, Samuel. Enlisted from Le Roy September 25th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Captured at battle of Drury's Bluff. Va.. May 16th, 1864; pa- 
roled and exchanged. Mustered out December 6th. 1865. Is living 
at Saybrook. 111. 

Ream, Adam. Enlisted from Le Roy September 25th. 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded June 18th. 1864, near Wier Bottom church. Va.: was 
also injured on the propeller '• Mary Boardman." coining from Hil- 
ton Head. S. C. to New York, on veteran furlough. Mustered out 
December 6th, 1865. Is living at Trenton, Mo. 

Rapp, John W. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th. 1861. Vet- 
eran. Killed August 25)th, 1864, before Petersburg, Ya. 

Rowley, James. Enlisted from Le Roy September 14th. 1861. Died 
in hospital at Newbern, N. C, October 11th, 1864. 

Randolph, Valentine C. Enlisted from Lincoln September 16th. 
isci Mustered out September 17th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Is living, but address not known. 

Riddle, George. Enlisted from Le Roy September 17th. 1861 Pi;o- ^ 
moted Corporal June 27th, 1862. Mustered out September 1 i th, 1864. 
at expiration of service. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 
Comrade Riddle was born iu ^Yarren county. New Jersey, in 1840. 
He came to the State of Ohio when two years old with his parents, who 
settled in Licking county. His father died when he was but seven years 
old. leavino- his mother with four sons and two daughters, all of whom 
went to Illinois in 1856, and settled in McLean county, which has been the 
home of the subject of this sketch ever since, except three years he was in 
the United States service as member of Company I, Thirty -Ninth Regi- 
ment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The occupation of Comrade Riddle be- 
fore and after the war was that of a farmer. In politics he has been a 
staunch Republican and an active worker. Was a delegate to the State 
Convention in 1884. and also in 1888. He has been a devoted member of 
the Grand Army of the Republic since the organization of the same in his 
locality. He had a brother killed at Fort Donelson. Thomas Riddle, for 
whom the G. A. R. Post of Le Roy, IU., is named. His mother is still liv- 
ing, is eighty years old. and is a member of the Ladies' Relief C orps. 



522 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Richards, Dudley. Enlisted from Le Roy October 6th, I86I, Pro- 
moted Corporal March 1st, 1863. Killed August 16th, 1864, at battle 
of Deep Run, Va. 

Runyan, George W. Enlisted from Le Roy October 6th, 1861. 
Discharged July 4th, 1863, for disability. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 

Rue, John A. Enlisted from Mount Pleasant March 8th, 1864. 
Wounded in the leg August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. 
Died in hospital, from wounds, October 18th, 1864. 

Raney, George S. Enlisted from Jefferson county April 5th, 1865. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

Sproul, William. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Taken prisoner June, 1862; paroled and exchanged. Dis- 
charged March 22d, 1865, by order War Department. Is living at 
El Dorado, Kansas. 

Shinkle, Thomas W. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th. 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal June 1st, 1864. Wounded in the side, 
August 28th, 1864. Killed at Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865. 

Spencer, William J. Enlisted from Le Roy September 22d, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal September 18th. 1864. Wounded in 
the head June 17th, 1864. Promoted Sergeant August 1st, 1865. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. Is living at Arrowsmith, 111. 

SilkwOOd, Henry. Enlisted from Franklin county April 11th, 1865. 
Mustered out December 6th, 1865. 

SilkwOOd, Brazil. Enlisted April 11th, 1865. Mustered out Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. 

Thomas, James M. Enlisted from Franklin county September 4th, 
1861. Mustered out September 4th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Is living at Farmer City, 111. 

TomlinSOn, Andrew J. Enlisted from Le Roy September 4th, 1861. 
Promoted Corporal March 1st, 1863. Wounded in the leg August 
16th, 1864; leg amputated. Died in hospital, from wounds, Septem- 
ber 14th, 1864. 

Tateburg, Ernest W. Enlisted from Le Roy September 18th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal May 16th, 1865; Sergeant October 
28th, 1865. 

Veta, Osta. Enlisted from Bloomington November 10th, 1862. Sent 
from Folly Island to Beaufort, S. C, and failed to report again. Sup- 
posed to have drowned. 

VanSChoyck, John. Enlisted from Le Roy April 7th, 1862. Taken 
prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Blufif, Va. Discharged May 7th, 
1865. Is living at Le Roy, 111. 

Van Winkle, Willitt. Enlisted from Enfield February 16th, 1864. 
Wounded in the thigh October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, 
Va. Discharged May 27th, 1865. 

Weedman, John W. Enlisted from Mount Pleasant September 4th, 
1861. Promoted Corporal June 27th. 1862. Taken prisoner May 
16th, 1864, at Drury"s Bluff, Va. Died in Andersonville prison 
November 15th, 1864. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY I— PRIVATES. 523 

White, William D. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 4th. l.sf.l. 
Veteran. Womided in the head May 16th. 18(U, at Drury's Bluff. Va. 
Discharged Jmie IGth, 1865, for disability from wounds. Died in 
1885, at Little Rock, Arkansas. 
Wetzel! Michael. Enlisted from Santa Anna September -tth, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal March 1st, 1863: Sergeant February 
7th, 1865. Wounded in the arm April 2d, 1865; arm amputated. 
Discharged June 17th, 1865, for disability from wounds. Is living at 
Sidney, Neb. 
Wilson, William S. Enlisted September 4th, 1861. Discharged 

September 12th. 1864, for disability. Is living at Downs, 111. 
Wilhoite Willis F. Enlisted from Le Roy October 2d. 1861. Vet- 
eran. Wounded in the face. May 16th, 1864. at Drury's Bluflf, Va. 
Discharged May 4th, 1865, for disability from wounds. Is hvmg at 
Argenta. 111. 
WOOdard, Edward. Enlisted from Santa Anna October 2d. 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in the side, August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, ^ a. 
Promoted Corporal, 1865. 
Weedman John B. Enlisted from Santa Anna September 26th, 
1861. Mustered out September 28th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Is living at Denver, Col. 
Wilson, John S. Enlisted from Le Roy October 20th, 1861. Trans- 
ferredto Company H August 1st, 1862. Is livmg at Farmer City, 
Illinois. 
Wallace, John. Enlisted from McLean county October 22d, 1861. 

Deserted November 25th, 1861. 
Woodward, William B. Enlisted from Bloomington Febru.^^^^^ 
V^th, 1864. Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's BlufE, \ a..^al=,o 
O'ctober 13th, 1864. at Darbytown Cross-Roads \a. Mustered out 
December 6th. 1865. Is living at Farmer City. 111. 
Wao-oner William. Enlisted from Le Roy January 1st, 1864. 
^Vound^d i^the heTd, May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va and taken- 
prisoner. Discharged July 3d, 1865, by order of War Department. 
Is living at La Crosse, Wis. 
\A/ocffall Rf^uhen Enlisted from Le Roy February 13th, 1864. 
"^^ Won ded'^rthf "houlder, April 2d, .1865. at Fort Gregg Va Dis- 
charged June 10th, 1865, for disability from wounds. Is hvmg at 
Le Roy, III. ^ ^ , 

w/^^Hrv^ar. M or man A Enlisted from Mount Pleasant February 
Weedman, iNormcin m.. r.mi.^'.^'^ \Tn«tprpd mit De- 

17th. 1864. Promoted Corporal August 1st, 1865. Mustered out ue 

cember 6th, 1865. 

Wren, Asa. Enlisted from Le Roy February 13th, 1864. Discharged 
Julyloth. 1865, by order War Department. Is living at Deland, 111. 

West George W. Enlisted from Hunter, ^^^^rch 23d, 1865. Dis- 
charged Ju!? 151^. 1865, for disability. Is living at Marshall. 111. 

Wood, Andrew. Enlisted from Okaw April 12th, 1S65. Mustered 

out December 6th, 1865. 

WPPdman Jacob F. Enlisted from Santa Anna February 11th. 
weeamdn, Jdotju 1 . hv order of War Department. Is 

1864. Discharged June 2d, 18bo, by oraer oi '>«■. i 

living at Denver, Colorado. 



524 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



Summary of Casualties, Etc. 

Killed in battle q 

Died of wounds y 

Died of disease k 

Died in prison o 

Drowned 9 

Wounded ig 

Taken prisoner ■• /. 

Lost limbs o 

Discharged for disability 44 

Transferred y 

Deserted o 

Mustered out at expiration of service 23 

Number originally enlisted 85 

Recruits ^4 

Number re-enlisted 42 

Number returned home at muster-out 41 

Number known to be living 7q 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



Compauy K-How and ^Yhel•e Recruited-Roster and Biographies- 
Summary of Casualties, Etc. 



History of Company K. 

Pkepaked by Sekgeant David H. Slagle. 

TN July, 1861, Frank B. Marsliall, a recruiting officer for 
-L the -'Yates Phalanx" (Thirty-Ninth Illinois), went to 
Marseilles, La Salle county. 111., where, he had been in- 
formed, a company was organizing for the three years ser- 
vice He had a conference with Joseph Woodruff, Andrew 
W Wheeler and others, and suggested to them that if they 
could raise a company of men for the Thirty-Ninth in Mar- 
seilles and vicinity they could elect their own officers. Ac- 
tive recruiting was at once begun under very promising 
circumstances. On August 6th the first squad of recruits 
was forwarded to Chicago and quartered in the old Eepub- 
lican Wi-wam. Others were continually added, and when 
the regiinent went into Camp Mather the minimum number 
for a company organization was present for an election of 
officers, and the following were elected: 

JOSEPH ^VOODRUFF, Captain. 

FRANK B. MARSHALL, Fiest Lieutenant. 

DONALD A. NICHOLSON, Second Lieutenant. 

Cyrus F. Knapp made some efforts for a commissiom pre- 
ferring, the Captaincy, but could not control a su&cien 
numb:r of recAits, a^id failed; but subsequently identifaed 
himself with Company D. Marshall was soon appointed 
R "mental Adjutant, leaving the place of First Lieutenant 



526 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

vacant. Oscar S. Belcher, then a Sergeant in Company B. 
claiming that he covild procure the number of men yet 
wanted to complete the company, was then elected to fill the 
vacancy ; but his recruits did not materialize. ' He kept the 
position, however. Soon after this the company received 
nineteen men that had enlisted in (the original) Company 
H, which had been organized at Bloomington by Captain 
C. S. Dirckes, who for some reason became dissatisfied and 
so neglected his company that Colonel Light dissolved it 
and gave the members of it their choice between Companies 
F and K. Those who came to K were Abner P. Allen, 
James K. Allen, Charles Austin, August Brower, Andrew 
Berge, Henry Craig, "William Craig, Peter Clear, Thos. W. 
Flory, Stephen K. Haywood, George A. Linton, Alden 
Myers, E. C. Myers, Stephen M. Stokes, Peter Saures, F. 
M. Thomas, George N. Thomas, "William Terrell and James 
K. "White. These men had been enlisted by E. C. Myers, 
and he should have been elected First Lieutenant instead of 
Belcher. E. C. Myers and Terrell had been elected Lieu- 
tenants in Company H, but had not been commissioned; 
they had, however, gone to the expense of getting their uni- 
forms, — but like good patriots and soldiers they gracefully 
accepted the situation, Myers being appointed Second Ser- 
geant and Terrell First Corporal. It was apparent, how- 
ever, that Terrell was never fully reconciled; he lost his 
interest — became soured, and after being promoted to Ser- 
geant was reduced to the ranks. For some time there was a 
little division in the company — the Bloomington men were 
clannish ; but soon the line of formality was broken and the 
company became a unit, and a strong one. When Company 
K re-enlisted at Hilton Head, S. C, in 1864, several of the 
members who on first enlistment were credited to La Salle 
county, on second enlistment were credited to Cook county, 
and received the one hundred dollars bounty offered by that 
county for men who re-enlisted in the field, while those who 













.. * 




5 •- : 





# 








■/ .s 



2. CoRPL. JOHN B. KIPP, Co. K. 
5 CoRPL. J. T. NICHOLS, Co. K. 
8. ALDEN BARBER, Co. K. 



1 Capt. JOSEPH WOODRUFF, Co. K. 

3 SERGT.JAS. SANBORN, CO. K. 4. WILLIAM G. KIRKMAN, Co. K. 

e Co.PL. PETER SAUERS, Co. K. 7. CICERO BARBER, Co. K 

9 PARKER M,CK, CO. K. 10. FRANCS M. THOMAS, Co. K. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K— OFFICERS. 527 

remained faitliful to La Salle county received notliing— 
wliicli was a source of mncli dissatisfaction. 

Captain Woodruff was tlie leading spirit in recruiting 
this company of men, from the very start, and was always 
the choice for leader. He proved worthy of the conhdence 
reposed in him up to the date of his death, and his loss was 
deeply felt and sincerely mourned. 

The company was made up of good material and dis- 
tinguished itself on many occasions, contributing thereby to 
the'good name the regiment had won in all the military de- 
partments in which it was called upon to serve. 



EosTER OF Company K. 

September 23d. 1863, and died the same day. 

Captain Woodruff was born in Onondaga county, New York. Septenr- 

her 7th 18->9- moved to Ottawa, III., when fourteen years of age. In 184<., 

I H !'ot Of the Republic of Mexico, war existed between that Govern- 

; 'dthe Uniefs^^^^^^^ he enlisted at Ottawa, 111., in a battahon of 

ment and the Lnited stares, Mexico They were sent to 

■ ^f isfiO he was the captain of a strong and 
Duringthecampaxgn o ISGO^he was ^ J^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^ 

enthusiastic company of Wide AwaKes , commander in said 

ions during that memorable year, he ^^^^^^^^J^: ^rn^bellion broke 
organization. The following year. ^'^'^^ '^^ l^\^lZ^^ ,,^ recruiting 
out, he had no ^-culty in ra.mg a company fo.^t^he ^ ^, ^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^ 

was commenced m Julj, 1861. Fleming, their tirm being Fleming 

business with his b^^^t^er-m^aw Jame. Flenn g ^.^^^^ ^^^ 

& Woodruff. His family consisted of wife and thr ^^.^^ 

war, Nellie and Willie have «^-«i' f -"^.^^^^^^^^^ .V^. The following 
remains the Captain's -^'^l.^^^^^^^^^l^^e.eni., he met his 
Regimental order embraces his militarj hutorj 
death at Fort Gregg, Morris Island. S. 0. 



528 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Headquarters Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. 
Morris Island, S. C, September 2oth, 1863. 

SPECIAL ORDEK NO. 63. 

With profound .sorrow, the Lieutenant-Colonel commanding announces to the regi- 
ment, the decease of Captain Joseph Woodruff, of Company K, Thirty-Ninth Regiment 
Illinois Volunteers, who died in regimental hospital, Morris Island, S. C, September 23d, 
1863, a few hours after he received a fatal wound from the enemy's gun. 

Captain Woodruff was among the many brave men who, after the first repulse of 
our inexperienced army at Bull Eun, rushed forth with martial spirit to support the flag 
of our troubled country, and to vindicate the majesty of her laws, by rebels ignored. 
Leaving a lucrative business, a large circle of firm friends, and a young and confiding 
family, he collected around his country's standard a company of patriots, and led them 
from his native village, Marseilles, La Salle county, Illinois, to Camp Mather in Chicago, 
where he linked his destinies with the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Regiment. The long and 
winding war-path over which he has gallantly led his company, the severe hardships and 
stern privations he has patiently endured, and the unaffected bravery and deep-seated 
patriotism he has ever evinced, forfn a part of the regimental history, and hence need not 
be here enumerated. 

He entered upon the operations before Charleston with quiet yet commendable 
enthusiasm, and from the day his regiment broke ground for the first fort on Jolly Island, 
to the evening the missile of death met him in Fort Gregg, he exhibited a determination 
of purpose remarked by many and surpassed by none. 

The ranking officer in the line, he was frequently called to command the regiment, 
■ and his official ability was such, that his fellow officers looked anxiously forward to the 
time when promotion should be granted him as a meritorious reward; but in this they are 
only too sadly disappointed. On the evening of the 23d lust., .iust as he was transmitting 
his instructions to the officer who relieved him of his command in Fort Gregg, a shell 
from Fort Moultrie burst among his men, killing several, and so wounding him in the 
side tli^it he soon died. He was conscious to the last, and apparently resigned to his sad 
fate. 

As an officer, Captain Woodruff had an enviable reputation. Ever ready for duty, 
he was never heard to murmur, or question the propriety of an order, however laborious 
or dangerous the duty it demanded. Socially, he was a man admired by all who knew him, 
and in his friendships he was honest and sincere. He has fallen in the mid-day of his 
manhood, and in the very fort from which was fired the first rebel gun at Fort Sumter, 
the vibrations of which so thrilled with energy the great Northern heart. He has fallen, 
but he fell in the defense of a principle deeply enshrined in every loyal breast, and for 
the unity and perpetuity of a country that shall gladly honor her heroic dead. 

Let the virtues of the deceased be emulated by his bereaved comrades who survive 
him, and by whom his memory will doubtless be perpetuated with a pleasing sadness. As 
a token of respect to the/((7?f)i brave, it is hereby ordered that the usual badge of mourn- 
ing be worn by the officers of this regiment for a period of thirty days. 
By order of 

O. L. Mann, Lieut.-CoL Commanding Regiment. 
Simon S. Beucker, 
Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant. 

Sergeant James Sanborn accompanied the remains of Captain Wood- 
ruff to the village of Marseilles, where they were consigned to rest in 
Bluffside Cemetery, and there the members of his company erected a 
monument to his memory. Joseph Woodruff Post, Xo. 281, G. A. E., at 
Marseilles, was named in his honor. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K— OFFICERS. 529 

Captain Andrew W.Wheeler. Promoted ((ce Captain Woodruff, 
died. Wounded in the face October 13th. 1864, at Darbytown Cross- 
Roads, V'a. Mustered out October 24th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Andrew W. Wheeler was born September 6th, 1830, in the State of 
New York. He entered the service from Marseilles, 111., and at that time 
was occupied as a school-teacher, although a lawyer by profession. 

While in the Department of the South on Morris Island. S. C, he was 
detached from his company and given the command of the Requa Battery. 
After the death of Captain Woodruff, Lieutenant Wheeler was recalled, and 
assumed command of Company K. 

After his -'muster out" he returned to Marseilles, and in February, 
1865. again entered the service, as Captain of Company E, One Hundred 
and Fifty-Third Illi*\ois Volunteers (a one-year organization), and served 
during a short campaign in Tennessee and Alabama. September loth, 
1865, he was commissioned Major, but was not mustered, as the regiment 
was soon disbanded 

After the war he engaged in the mercantile business in Marseilles, but 
in 1872 removed to the native prairie land near where now stands the city 
of Hastings, Nebraska, homesteaded a few acres and became one of the 
pioneer settlers. Here death removed several of his children. After 
residing at Hastings a few years he removed to his present residence,— 
Wadena, Wadena county, Minn. 

Captain EbaniS C. Myers. Promoted ./oe wheeler, mustered 
out. Mustered out with the regiment December 6th, Ibbo. 

Captain Myers was born in Licking county, Ohio, February 27th, 
1838 \t the beginning of the war he entered the three months' service, 
after which he enlisted men for Company H, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volun- 
teer, expecting a commission, but the first organization of H Company 
was a failure, and he with his men went into Company K, where he was 
appointed Second Sergeant. In -July, 1865, he was on detached service at 
City Point, Va., as Ordnance officer, and also at Norfolk. Va., m August; 
but in September of 1865 he was placed in command of the hard-labor 
prison in Norfolk, and retained it until his muster out of service. He was 
one of the " stayers" with his company in all of its marches and battles 
with the exception of the assault on Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, I860. Cap- 
tain Mvers earned his promotions and proved a most excellent officer. 
Always"social and agreeable, he was a favorite with his men. 

After the war he settled down as a farmer, married, and has a large 
family. He is getting a little gray and considerably bald-headed, and he 
will tell you the reason for that, if you ask him. Exposure m the service 
has enfeebled his health to some extent, yet he manages to get some com- 
fort out of life,-thinks it «'worth living'-at Randolph. McLean count,, 
Illinois. 



530 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

First Lieutenant Oscar S. Belcher. Commissioned August 

20th, 1861. Resigned May 11th, 1862. 

Belcher first enlisted in Company B at Bloomington, 111., in August, 
1861, but was commissioned in Company K vice F. B. Marshall appointed 
Adjutant, on the strength of his promise of bringing a large number of 
recruits to the company. He did bring a few men but they were not 
of his recruiting. He was in the three months' service as Corporal in 
Company K, Eighth Illinois Infantry. 

Belcher's nativity is not known, but he was a regular Yankee in his 
manners and was quite popular for a time as an ofiicer; but it did not last. 
He had a very lively imagination when on the " war-path," and could see 
more cannon, and more of the enemy that would "Cut us all to h — in a 
holy minute," than anybody else. After leaving the Thprty-Ninth he returned 
to Bloomington, and became one of the Ashley House employes. 

In May, 1863, he again enlisted as a private in Company M, Sixteenth 
Illinois Cavalry; was promoted to Sergeant; taken prisoner, and went 
through a terrible experience at Andersonville prison. He was mustered 
out of service August 19th, 1865, and returned to Bloomington, where he 
died of consumption several years ago. 

Belcher was a soldier from the beginning to the end of the war. We 
overlook his faults. 

First Lieutenant Donald A. Niciiolson. Promoted March 

15th, 1862. Resigned June 14th, 1862. 

Lieutenant Nicholson entered the service from Marseilles, 111. Was 
born in Canada. He proved a good officer and soldier up to the time he 
was forced by the enemy to ford the Potomac river January 4th. 1862. 
After this he became disabled from rheumatism and left the service. In 
December, 1864, he again entered the service, being commissioned First 
Lieutenant of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-Third Illinois Infantry; 
was mustered out of said organization as Captain, October 25th, 1865. He 
is now living at Marseilles, and is occupied as a stone-mason. 

First Lieutenant Andrew W. Wheeler. Promoted vice 

Nicholson, resigned. 

First Lieutenant Marion L. Butterfield. Promoted August 

1st, 1864. Wounded in the arm, August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. 

Mustered out December 7th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

No exceptions can be taken to the soldierly qualities of "Dick" But- 
terfield, as he was familiarly called. He was born at Antwerp, Jefferson 
county, N. Y., August 15th, 1831, and emigrated to Illinois in the year 1853. 
In 1855 he was married to Eliza Ferris of Owego, N. Y. Was a farmer by 
occupation. 

We remember " Dick" as an agreeable companion and as a vocalist 
of no mean order, and especially on some occasions when the spirits moved 
him. Then to hear him warble " "Twas off the blue Canaries," or " The 
maids of Australia," was delightful. He could also manipulate the " Old 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K~OFFlCERS. 531 

Friar," which was something of a "teeth-grinder," and was given to keep 
the boys awake. He was promoted to Captain but was not mustered. 
When we last saw him he was still merrily and courageously fighting for 
subsistence, although somewhat shattered and worn from exposures in the 
field and the line of battle. He is living at Marseilles, 111. 

First Lieutenant E. C. Myers. Promoted Captain December 
7th, 1864. Mustered January 10th, 1865. 

First Lieutenant Daniel SmOUSe. Promoted December 7th. 
1864. Mustered January iHh, 1865. 

Smouse served the entire term with his company, and i^articipated 
in all its movements and battles. At the surrender of the Army of North- 
ern Virginia April 9th. 1865, he was in command of Company K. He was 
mustered out with the regiment December 6th, 1865, returning to Mar- 
seilles, where he made a residence for a short time. Afterwards he re- 
moved to Bloomington, 111., where he buried his only son. The loss was 
severely felt — his health began to fail, and the deafness incurred in the 
service increased until he became unfitted for business. He went to the 
Soldiers' Home at Quincy, 111., where the once erect and fine-appearing 
soldier is now a physical wreck. 

Second Lieutenant Donald A. Nicholson. Promoted First 
Lieutenant March 15th, 1862. 

Second Lieutenant Andrew W. Wheeler. Promoted First 
Lieutenant June 14th, 1862, vice Nicholson, resigned. 

Second Lieutenant Marion L. Butterf ield. Promoted First 

Lieutenant vice \Yheeler, promoted. 

Second Lieutenant Daniel Smouse. Promoted First Lieu- 
tenant December 7th, 1865. 

Second Lieutenant Emile Guntz. Could not muster on his 
commission, as there were not men enough in the company. Mus- 
tered out as Sergeant December 6th. 1865. Wounded May 16th, 1864, 
at Drury's Bluff, Va., and taken prisoner; sent to Andersonville, Ga., 
where he had a sad experience. Was paroled in November. 1864, and 
returned to his company, being mustered out with the regiment De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Prior to his enlistment in the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, Guntz entered 
Company B, Chicago Zouaves, for the three months" service. He proved 
an excellent and faithful soldier. After the close of his service he returned 
to Chicago and made the city his home. His prison life at Andersonville 
has somewhat enfeebled a naturally strong constitution, and the horrors 
there experienced are indelibly engraved on the tablets of his memory. 

Guntz was born in the city of Alkirch, Elsass. Germany, March 27th, 
1844. and emigrated to this country in 1849 with his parents. At the time 
of his enlistment his occupation was that of a photographer. After the 
war he returned to Chicago, where he occupies a position with the L. 



532 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Wulff Manufacturing company, at 93 Lake street, and resides at 232 Wal- 
nut street.* 

First Sergeant Andrew W. Wheeler. Enlisted August I4th, 
18fil, from Marseilles, 111. Promoted Second Lieutenant March loth, 
1862. 

Sergeant Ebanis C. Myers. Enlisted from McLean county, 
111., August lith, 18G1. Promoted First Sergeant June 14th. 1862; 
First Lieutenant October 24th, 1864. 

Sergeant David H. Slagle. Enlisted August 27th, 1861. Wound- 
ed and taken prisoner October 13th, 1864, at the battle of Darbytown 
Cross-Roads, Va. 

Slagle was born in Delta, Fulton county, Ohio. He enlisted April 
19th, 1861, in Captain Houghtaling's Battery Light Artillery (three months 
service, attached to the Nineteenth Illinois Volunteers), and was discharged 
at Cairo, 111., July 22d, 1862. In August, 1862, he was detailed on recruit- 
ing service and sent home on that duty for six months. He re-enlisted as 
veteran January 1st, 1864, at Hilton Head, S. C. Was discharged as 
Orderly Sergeant May 22d, 1865, at Philadelphia, by reason of disability 
from wounds. February 9th, 1876, he was commissioned as Second Lieu- 
tenant in the Third Regiment Illinois National Guard, and resigned in 
October, same year. In 1866 he was appointed postmaster at Marseilles 
and held that office for twenty consecutive years, until removed by Presi- 
dent Cleveland, in 1884. He resides at Marseilles, 111. He has lately 
received appointment in the U. S. Railway Postal service. His home is 
at Marseilles, 111. 

Sergeant Henry Fuller. Enlisted August 19th, 1861. Taken pris- 
oner at Bath, Va., January 4th, 1862; paroled and discharged January 
23d, 1862. 

Fuller entered the service again, in Company D, Eighty-Eighth Illi- 
nois Infantry, and was promoted Sergeant, and mustered out with that 
regiment June 9th, 1865. He is a native of Connecticut. His postoffice 
address is Sheridan, La Salle county. 111. 

Sergeant Marion L. Butterfield. Enlisted from Marseilles 
August 17th, 1861. Promoted Second Lieutenant June 14th, 1862. 

*Since writing the above, it becomes our sad duty to record the death of Lieu- 
tenant Guntz, which occurred at his new home, 202 Walnut street, Tuesday, May 7th, 
1889, from disease of the kidneys (Bright's disease), which took its origin while he was 
a prisoner of war at Andersonville, Ga. His funeral was largely attended, many of 
his old comrades being present, as well as the members of his G. A. R. Post (Weitzel). 
In the absence of the family pastor, the Rev. William Faucett, of the Park Avenue 
M. E. church, made some very appropriate remarks from the text, "A good soldier is 
fallen to-day." He was buried at Waldheim cemetery. 

" Lo! as the winds are, so is mortal life: 
A moan, a sigh, a eob, a storm, a strife." 



i 



EOSTEB OF COMPANY K— OFFICERS. 533 



Corporal William Terrell. Enlisted from McLean county. 111., 
_ August 18th. 1861. Promoted Sergeant June 14th, 1862. Reduced 
P • to the ranks August 22d, 1863. 

Terrell was a native of Valley Grove, Ohio county. West Virginia. He 
first enlisted in Company H, but was transferred to Company K. He left 
the service July 25th, 1864, being discharged for disability. We are 
informed that he died several years ago. 

Corporal James Sanborn. Enlisted from Marseilles August litth, 
1861. Veteran. Promoted Sergeant September 1st, 1862. 

In September, 1863, Sanborn received a furlough to go home. While 
waiting for the steamer at Hilton Head Captain Woodruff was killed. Ser- 
geant Sanborn was notified, and he took charge of the Captain's remains 
and accompanied them to Marseilles, 111. At the terrible charge made by 
the regiment at Deep Run, Va., August 16th, 1864, on the north side of the 
James river, Sanborn was killed, and his comrades were unable to recover 
his body. The brave soldier rests on that field among the "unknown.'' 

Corporal George Pollock. Enlisted from Marseilles September 
3d, 1861. Discharged July 18th, 1863, for disability. 

Pollock returned to Marseilles, and died a few years later. He was 
buried in the old Christian Church Cemetery in the town of Manlius. His 
widow resides in Marseilles, and his only daughter is the wife of L. T. 
Gardner of that village. 

Corporal Daniel SmOUSe. Enlisted from Bloomington, lll-» Au- 
gust lyth, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Sergeant September 1st, 186i. 

Corporal Emile Guntz. Veteran. Enlisted from Chicago. August 
6th, 1861. Promoted Sergeant October 1st, 1863; First Sergeant 
September 1st, 1865; and Second Lieutenant October 4th, 1865. 

Corporal William MoxtOn. Enlisted from Marseilles August 6th 

1861. Veteran. Promoted Sergeant August 16th, 1864. Mustered 

out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Moxton is a native of Pennsylvania. He was reduced to the ranks to 
gratify some petty spite of Captain Wheeler, it is said; but in August, 
1864, the Captain recommended him to the Colonel for appointment as 
Sergeant for meritorious conduct at the charge on the enemy's works at 
'Deep Run, Va., August 16th, 1864. At Norfolk, Va., he was detailed as 
Ordnance Sergeant and retained the position until muster-out. After the 
war he became a citizen of Seneca, 111., where he married, and now has two 
grown-up daughters. His present address is Marseilles, 111. 
Corporal Emory StebbinS Enlisted froin MarseiUes Au^^^^^^^^ 

litth, 1861. Promoted Sergeant September 1st, 18(,2. lakenpu^ 

oner at Bath, Va., January 4th. 1862. Discharged June 3d, 1862, for 

disability. 

Stebbins is a well-to-do farmer, and is living in Guthrie county. Iowa. 



534 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Corporal O. B. Begnall. Enlisted from Marseilles September 3c 
1861. Discharged August 11th, 1862, for disability. 

Begnall was an old man when he enlisted. He died at Marseilles, 
April 1st, 1866, in his fifty-seventh year. 

Corporal John Kipp. Enlisted from Marseilles August 14th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal August 1st. 1863. Wounded October 
13th, 1864, at the battle of Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va., and died 
from his wounds 

Corporal Kipp was born at Chatham Four-Corners, Columbia county. 
New York, in 1841, and went to Illinois in 1858, locating in the township 
of Mission, La Salle county, where he worked on a farm until he enlisted. 
Kipp was a very enthusiastic soldier, and was never absent from the com- 
pany, and while in the service learned to read and write. He was proud of 
his strength, and imagined when he first entered the company that he 
(physically) was the best man in the regiment, and that no one could 
" down " him; but this conceit was taken out of him by little " Ted " Hart- 
rey, of Company B, who handled him very easily, and to Kipp's entire 
satisfaction. 

Kipp was a good soldier, and never flinched from duty. AYhile on 
Morris Island, S. C, in 1863, he was on the detail to erect the Swamp battery, 
and from a remark he made at the time concerning it he unconsciously 
christened what was afterwards known as the " Swamp Angel." After his 
promotion to Corporal he was assigned to the " Color-guard," and at the 
charge on the rebel works, October 13th, 1864, when the regiment was 
repulsed and obliged to fall back, he brought with him the regimental flag 
from the hands of Sergeant Yates, who had fallen mortally wounded. One 
of Kipp's arms was shattered, but with the other he carried his gun and the 
flag. As he was making his way back a lieutenant of another regiment 
was eager to assist him by taking charge of the flag, with a view of claim- 
ing the honor of having saved it; but Kipp held on to it, emphatically 
refusing his help. He told the officer if he was so anxious to assist that he 
might carry his gun; but the flag, never. 

Kipp died of his wounds November 5th, 1864, at Chesapeake hospital, 
and is buried in the U. S. National Cemetery at Hampton, Va., near Fort 
Monroe. 

Musician James B.Shaw. Fifer. Enlisted at Marseilles, August 
14th, 1S61. Discharged June — 1862, for disability. 

Shaw is a native of Scotland, a tailor by trade. After leaving' the 
service he returned to Marseilles and made his home for a few years, but 
becoming somewhat dissatisfied he removed with his family to — no one 
knows where. 

Musician Timothy Cannon. Entered the service from Troy, Wis., 
September 27th, 1861. Veteran. 

Cannon was the favorite drummer-boy of the regiment, and was de- 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K— PRIVATES. 535 

tailed to the band. At the close of the war he led a roving life, and it has 
been reported that he lost his life through some of his follies at some 
place in Iowa. 



PPilVATES. 

Adams Thomas J. Entered the service from Marengo, McHenry 
county. 111., August 27th, 1861. Promoted Corporal December 1st, 
1863. 

Adauis was a native of Maine, and made an honorable record as a 
soldier, leaving the service September 10th, 186-t, at the expiration of his 
enlistment. He returned to Marengo, and afterwards engaged in the hard- 
ware trade at New Boston, Mercer county. 111., for a time. He then removed 
to Florida, locating at Ocala, a member of the firm of " The Bacon and 
Adams Abstract Company.'' 

"A laud of sand— a humbug grand! 
You want some of this ' sand? ' 

There's millions in it." 

Allen, Abner P. Enlisted from Bloomington, "J-' f jf^^j'^^^^;^^^ 
1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal December 1st, 1863. Mubterea 
out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Corporal Allen was a member of the "Color-guard" and carried the 
State flag at the surrender of General Lee, April 9th, 1865. He accompa- 
nied General John Gibbon to Washington, D. C, with seventy-six stands 
of rebel colors, where he was presented by Secretary of War Stanton with 
a medal bestowed by Act of Congress for meritorious conduct in front of 
Petersburg, Va. He is living at Centerburg, Ohio. 

Austin, Charles. Enlisted from Chicago September 16th,1861. Dis- 
charged 1862, for disability. 

Comrades may recollect Austin from the fact that he had more th^m 
his share of thumbs (two) on each hand. He is living at Pueblo, Colorado. 
Allen James K. Enlisted from Bloomington, 111., September 2d, 
^mnZtL^ Promoted Corporal December 1st, If 4; S-^-"*^ 
January 1st. 1865. Mustered out with regiment December 6th. 1S(,5. 
Is living at Ogallala, Keith county. Neb. 
AiklnS, Albert. Enlisted April nth, 1865. (Substitute.) Mustered 

out December 6th, 1865. Is living m Topeka, Kan>a^. 
Barber, Cicero. Enlisted from Marseilles, in.. August 16th, 1861. 
Killed May 20th, at battle of Wier Bottom church, \ a. 
Barber was born in Saratoga county, New York. August 26th, 1843; 
came west with his parents in 1851, and settled on a fann in the township 
of Manlius, La Salle county. 111. He had two brothers who also ent d the 
service. John L. enlisted in Company A, Fifteenth ^--Iry; Aid n in 
Company K, Thirty-Ninth Illinois, with Cicero, and he also lost his life. 



536 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Burns, James D. Enlisted at Marseilles, 111., August 14th 18R1 

Burns was a "dandy" soldier-always looked trim and neat, accou- 
trements and all; had the style of a "regular"; was quite a favorite in the 
company and was generally called "Grubby." He married, and has a 

^!!^y^'JVu'''^ "'' *^' '^*^ °' Philadelphia. Pa., and is a member^of 
Phihp R. Schuyler Post, No. 51, G. A. R. He sends greeting to his old 
comrades and hopes to meet them at a regimental re-union in the near 
future. 

Bedford Wallace. ( Known as " Gunboat.") Enlisted from Mar- 
seilles, August Uth,]861. Veteran. Wounded October m^ iZ 

Island s'^Mnir"?^^^^^ also, August 26th, 1863, at Morris 

island, b. C. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Bedford was a good soldier, but we can not forbear stating that he 
was noted for planning and executing on his own hook a good many tricks 
and practical jokes, some of which were not well appreciated by the yic- 
tims. While at Suffolk, Va., he mined under the shanty of some contra- 
bands, and one night, when a dozen or so of them had congregated he 
placed the powder, lighted the fuse, and cut for camp, reaching there just 
as the grand explosion took place which razed the shanty to the ground 
and whirled the darkeys in all directions-scorching, skinning, scarin*. and 
badly demoralizing the whole lot. No lives were lost, however. This" took 
place one night after " taps " had sounded, and occasioned quite a stir in 
camp. Such tricks seemed to do him good. He is living somewhere in 
Green county, Iowa. 

Burget, Lawrence. Enlisted from Marseilles August "Tth 1861 
Beatdce^'Net''^"'* ^^*^' ^^^^' ^°' ^''""^'^'^y- His last address was' 

BroughtOn, Charles. Enlisted from Morris, Grundy county, 111, 
August 14th, 1861. Discharged in 1862 for disability. 

Broughton was six feet four inches high, but could not stand the 
" racket." He returned home to Seneca, 111., where he committed suicide 
some years ago. He is erroneously registered on the roster of the Veteran 
Association as living at Marseilles. 

Beamish, Thomas. Enlisted from Elwood, Will county. 111 Sep- 
tember 10th, 1861. Veteran. Mustered out with regiment Decern- 
D6r Dtn, 1865, 

The boys called Beamish the " Wharf Rat " of Company K. He did 
not possess much style or pride. Some of the non- commissioned officers 
had to look after him and compel him to arrange his toilet and care for 
his equipments. After a day's march he would often lie down with his 
knapsack and accoutrements on, being too lazy to take them off. His 
reported address is Chicago, 111. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K— PRIVATES. 537 

Brown, George P. Enlisted from Bloomington October 17th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in the knee October 13th. 1864, at Darbytowu 
Cross-Roads, Va. Was absent, sick and wounded, when the regiment 
was mustered out. 

Brower, August. Enlisted from Bloomington September 5th, 1861 — 
a native of Germany. Discharged June 18th, 1862. for disability. 
Is living, and his reported address is Havana, 111. 

Batterfield, Augustus. Enlisted from Marseilles, 111.. December 
16th, 1863. Taken prisoner May 16th, 1864. at Drury's Blufif. Va.. 
and sent to Andersonville, Ga. Mustered out with regiment Decem- 
ber 6th, 1865. Lives at Ogallala, Keith county. Neb. 

Barber, Alden. Enlisted from Marseilles, 111.. February 6th. 1864. 
Wounded May 16th, 1864, at Drury's Bluff, Va., and taken prisoner. 
Died in Libby prison, Richmond, Va., in June, 1864. 

Bedford, Peter Parley. Enlisted from Marseilles, 111.. February 

24th, 1864. Died of disease April 9th, 1864. 
Birge, Andreas. Enlisted from Bloomington. 111.. August 18th, 1861. 
Ve'teran. Mustered out with regiment December 6th. 'i860. 
Birge was a peculiar old German, and a faithful soldier. During the 
last year of his service he became noted for the weak faculty of accumulat- 
ing anything and everything that he could pick up. No matter for how 
short a time we were to remain in camp, old Birge was busy in collecting 
all manner of articles that he could find— old rakes, brooms, wheel-barrows, 
plow-curls, barrels, boxes, wagon-wheels, etc., and piling them up in and 
around his quarters, which looked more like a warehouse than a soldier's 
domicile. When camp was broken up, it seemed to break his heart to be 
compelled to leave the traps. 
Bess, James F.' Enlisted February 14th, 1865. Died in hospital at 

Norfolk, Va., September 18th. 1865. 
Butterfield, Francis L. Enlisted from Marseilles February 4th, 
1864; mustered February 29th, 1864; entered for service in regi- 
mental band; was detailed as nurse to take care of GeneTal Osboru. 
Colonel Munn and Major Linton when they were wounded in 1864 
Discharged as musician at Camp Lee hospital. Richmond, \ a.. May 
30th, 1865. by reason of special order from ^^ ar Department dated 
May 6th, 1865. Resides with his family at Marseilles, 111., engaged as 
a clerk and salesman. 
Collins, George. Enlisted from Marseilles, 111 August 19th, 1861. 

Died in hospital at Hancock, Md.. July 14th. 1862. 
Churchill John. Enlisted from Marseilles. 111.. September 16th, 1861. 
^V?teran. Promoted Corporal May 2d. 1865. Reduced to the ranks 
September 27th, 1865. Mustered out with regiment. 
Churchill returned to Marseilles after the war. l>ut afterward 
moved with his family to Veango, Perkins county. Neb. 
ni-aio- Hpnrv Enlisted from Bloomington September 5th, 1861 
^^ fete"? Mustered out with regiment December 6th. 1865. as . 
musician. Is living at Le Roy. 111. 



re- 



538 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Craig, William. Enlisted from Bloomington August 14th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Promoted Corporal September 6th. 1862. Discharged Decem- 
ber 4th, 1863. for disability. Is living at Benton, Neb. 

Clear, Peter. Enlisted from Bloomington September 3d, 1861. Died 
at Bloomington, 111., July 11th, 1862. 

.Cole, James. Enlisted from Belleville, 111., October 11th, 1861; for- 
merly from Cohoes, N. Y. Veteran. Died at Norfolk, Va., November 
24th, 1865. 

Cordell, Alex. C. Enlisted from Bloomington October 10th, 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal August 1st, 1863. Wounded August 
26th. 1863, on Morris Island, S. C. Mustered out with regiment De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Cordell acted as the company clerk. Since the war he has been his 
own worst enemy. He is living, but his postoffice address is not known. 
Is frequently seen at Bloomington. 

Caddigan, John. Enlisted February 16th, 1864. Wounded in the 
head May 20th, 1864. Died from wounds November 14th, 1864. 

Clement, Frank. Enlisted October 10th, 1861. Mustered out Octo- 
ber 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Coleman, James. Enlisted February 13th, 1865. Mustered out with 
regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Drake, George. Enlisted from Marseilles, August 11th, 1861. Died 
at Cumberland, Md., from lung trouble, July 20th, 1862. His only 
daughter, Anna M. Eastman, resides at Wakefield, Mass. 

Eteherson, William. Enlisted April 12th, 1865. 

Flory, Thomas W. Enlisted from Bloomington September 19th, 
1861. Missing in action at Deep Run, Va., August 16th, 1864. Was 
found to have been taken prisoner. Mustered out June 2d, 1865. 
Resides at Fort Worth, Texas. 

Prink, Marcellus. Enlisted from Marseilles August 19th. 1861. 
Taken prisoner January 4th, 1862, at Sir John's Run, Va.; paroled 
and discharged June 23d, 1862. Returned to Marseilles, where he 
died a few years later. 

Franks, E. S. Enlisted from Seneca, 111.. August 14th, 1862. Dis- 
charged November 10th, 1862, for disability. Is living in Michigan. 

Fowler, Jessie W. Enlisted from Bloomington October 10th, 1861. 
Discharged in June, 1862, for disability. Re-enlisted from Chicago 
March 29th, 1864. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Fowler, Josiah. Enlisted from Bloomington October 10th, 1861. 
Wounded in the head June 11th, 1863, at Folly Island, S. C, by falling 
limb from a tree severed by a rebel shell thrown into camp. Mus- 
tered out October 8th, 1864, at expiration of service. Resides at 
Wakena, Kansas. 

Fowler, Lyford J. Enlisted April 11th, 1865, as a substitute. Mus- 
tered out December 6th, 1865. 

Fowler, J. W. Enlisted March 16th, 1864. Mustered out December 
6th, 1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K— PRIVATES. 539 

Farrance, Anthony. Enlisted August 23d, 18(52. Wounded October 
r.th. 1863, at Fort Wagner, S. C. Mustered out June 20th. 186.->, at 
expiration of service. 

Guntz, Francis. Enlisted March 12th, 1804. Wounded in the arm 
August 16th, 1864, at Deep Run, Va. 

GaddiS James I. Enlisted from White Oak, in., February 22d, 1864. 
Wounded in the arm August 16th. 1864. Discharged August 7th. 
1865, for disability from wounds. Is living at Hudson, 111. 

Garrison, John R. Enlisted from Manlius, 111., February 20th, 1864. 
Discharged June 8th, 1865, by order of War Department. 

Garrett Willis. Enlisted December 23d, 1862. Wounded in the 
thigh August 16th, 1864, at battle of Deep Run, Va. Promoted Cor- 
poral in 1865. 

Hubbard Albert. Enlisted from Marseilles August 14th, 1861. Dis- 
charged in front of Petersburg, Va., October 10th, 1864, at expiration 
of service. 
Hubbard was a faithful soldier. He resides at Marseilles, 111., where 

he is still known as '' Uncle Hubbard," as the boys used to call him. 

Halligan, Thomas. Enlisted from Marseilles, August 6th, 1861. 
Veteran. Mustered out with the regiment December 6th, 1865. 
Halligan served faithfully and honorably during the war. Is living 
at Streator, 111. He does not attend any of the re-unions of soldiers and 
has no aifiliation with the G. A. R., claiming that he does not care to be 
reminded of any of his army experiences and wishes to forget all the trials 
of those dark days. 

Havward, Stephen K. Enlisted from Bloomington August 14th, 
1861. Mustered out March 13th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Hayward is s6mewhat of an invalid from his army exposure. Is 
living at El Paso, 111., where he is a prominent candidate for postmaster 
under Harrison's coming administration. 

Hicks, Milton. Enlisted from Chicago, 111., September 4th, 1861. 
Veteran. Mustered out with the regiment. 
Hicks was detailed and served as nurse, and latterly as acting hospital 
steward of the regiment, and proved an excellent man for the place. He is 
living at Waupaca, 111. 

Hummell, Lewis J. Enlisted from Chicago September 10th, 1861. 
Mustered out September 10th, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Hummell was known as the '-Frenchman" in the company. It is said 
of him that when on the march he was noted as being able to slip out of 
the ranks and forage some cellar or smoke-house and secure a pot of pre- 
serves, pickles, or a ham, and return to his place in the ranks without losing 
the step. He returned to Chicago, and for some years ran a pickle and 
canning factory near W'ashington Heights, 111. 

Hendricks, James S. Enlisted August 23d, 1862. Mustered out 
June 29th, 1865, at expiration of service. 



540 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

^^'^H\^h'^i^^'^vl ^; /c^^"''^ '^\ ''^^"^"^^* ^' St. Louis, Mo., October 

?sr'o f ^, K-r.°*^'^^^'^^^''^ ^P'"'^ 1^*^' 1862. Discharged July 22d. 

ear^Ster'' '■ ^^^^^^^d to Michigan, where hi died k few 

Hontsinger, Benjamin F. Enlisted April nth. 1865. (Substitute.) 
Mustered out with regiment. 

Hagan, Henry. Enlisted February 14th. 1865. Mustered out with 
regiment. 

Jones, Williann T. Enlisted from Bloomington October 19th. 1861 
Mustered out October 26th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Jones was a good soldier. Is living at Fairburv. 111., enga^^ed in 
farming. ' " » 

Kilmer Egbert. Enlisted from Marseilles August Uth. 1861 Mus- 
tered out October 26th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Kilmer was born in Lackawanna, Pa. He was an excellent soldier 
After his term of service he returned to Marseilles, where he still resides.— 
a prosperous farmer, and has three grown daughters 

Kirkman William G. Enlisted from Marengo, 111., where he had 
?qT i.«^^f ^ operator. August lyth, 1861. Mustered out August 
lyth, 1864, at expiration of service. 

William Gilbert Kirkman enlisted at the age of sixteen years. He 
was an enthusiastic and plucky soldier, and after faithful and conscientious 
service for three years he returned to Chicago and became connected with 
the Fire Alarm Telegraph service and was located up in the old court- 
house tower 

It is remembered that when the regiment "struck" tents at Camp 
Mather, October 11th, 1861, and formed to march to the St. Louis and Alton 
depot to take the cars. Kirkman was carrying an extraordinarily big and 
heavy knapsack. A Sergeant suggested that he had better "lighten up" 
or he would soon "play out," and be hauled in the ambulance. The answer 
he received was: " Do you see that six-foot-and-two-inch man on the right 
of the company? Kirkman will hold his place longer than that fellow, and 
have his knapsack with him." And his words proved true. 

In the summer of 1863, in the Department of the South, in front of 
Charleston, he was with Sergeant Slagle on a detail assisting in erecting a 
telegraph line. Inquiry was made for a good operator, and his Sergeant 
recommended him; and in a few days he was permanently on telegraphic 
duty, and remained there until his term of enlistment expired. 

In 1868, there being a demand for agents for the Freedman's Bureau 
in the Southwest, he left his position in Chicago and accepted service in 
that department of the Government, taking charge of the Northeastern 
section of Texas, with headquarters at Boston, Bowie county. When he 
assumed his duties he was furnished with a company of soldiers, but 
through a reduction of the army, brought about by the vicissitudes of poli- 
tics, these soldiers were one by one withdrawn from him. until finally he 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K~PR1VATES. 541 

remained aloxie in that rebellious country — swarming with returning sol- 
diers from the Confederate army. The Government would neither afford 
him protection nor relieve him. In answer to the repeated solicitations of 
his friends to retire from the service and its manifold dangers without 
awaiting the slow action of the Government, his invariable response was: 
" I am the only protection the negroes in this section have. I stand be- 
tween many of them and death. Ultimately the country will quiet down, 
and they will be comparatively safe; but at present my departure would 
mean their extermination. No matter what the risk, I cannot leave until 
I have some assurance of their protection." 

This was the situation when, on a bright moonlight night, he closed 
his office and started for his hotel. He had not proceeded far, when from 
out the gloom of a contiguous building, a volley of musketry was heard. 
That is all that is known. The next morning the terror-stricken people 
found Kirkman's body lying on the side-walk, filled with bullets. Two 
chambers of his revolver were empty, showing that he had attempted to 
defend himself. The body lay where it fell until the afternoon, when the 
coroner and his jury, after examining it, reported that he had been killed 
by parties unknown, although it was well knoivn that Baker and his band of 
ex-Confederates had assassinated him. Two weeks later an anonymous 
dispatch sent from Shrevesport to parties in Chicago, informed them that 
young Kirkman was killed on the night named. 

Under orders from the Government Major Clarkson. U. S. Army, 
proceeded (disguised as a Southerner) to Bowie county, and quietly inves- 
tigated the particulars of Kirkman's assassination. General 0. 0. Howard 
also offered a large reward for the arrest of the murderer. Shortly after- 
wards Baker was entrapped and killed by his own brother-in-law, who 
beheaded him and 'brought the head to headquarters for the promised 
reward. 

In 1864, his brother, Lieutenant Albert Kirkman, lost his life at Mem- 
phis, Tenn., while on his way to rejoin his regiment. Another brother, 
M, M. Kirkman, has long been in the employ of the Chicago and North- 
western railway as Comptroller. 
Kockinkiniper, Francis. Enlisted February Uth, 186.-.. Died at 

Richmond, Va., July 8th, 1865. 
Linton George A. Enlisted from Bloomington, September 21st, 
1861. Mustered out September 21st, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Linton was a deserving soldier. Is living at Ellsworth, 111. 

Latimer, James A. Enlisted from Marseilles August l^th, 1861. 

Veteran. Promoted Corporal September 6th, 1862. Wounded m the 

neck May 20th, 1864, at Wier Bottom church, Va. Mustered out with 

regiment December 6th, 1865, as Sergeant. 

Latimer was never absent from his company during his whole term 
of service-four years and four months. In the assault on the rebel en- 
trenchments at Deep Run, Va., August 16th, 1864. it is said that he was the 



542 



THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 



first man over the works. His present address is Danway postoffice, 
La Salle county, 111., where he is engaged in farming. He has a wife and 
four children. He was Company K's longest and slimmest Corporal, but 
now he weighs two hundred and forty pounds and is still growing larger. 

Lammy, Lewis H. Enlisted from Chicago August 6th. 1861. Dis- 
charged October 5th, 1863, for disability, at Morris Island, S. C. 

Lee, Orville. Enlisted February 27th, 1864. Wounded in the foot 
August 16th, 1864. Mustered out with regiment. 

Lewis, John. Enlisted January 5th. 1864. Taken prisoner May 16th, 
1864. at the battle of Drury's Bluff. Va. Died in Andersonville prison, 
June, 1864. 

Marsh, Lewis. Enlisted from Marseilles August 6th, 1861. Veteran. 
Wounded in the arm August 16th. 1864, at Deep Run, Ya.; arm ampn- ' 
tated. Discharged November 19th, 1864. for disability from wound. 

With his shattered arm Marsh assisted in carrying a wounded man 
off the field. He was a well drilled soldier in the " manual of arms." 
" Uncle " Hubbard gave him the name of " Christ." for some reason, and it 
always clung to him. He was a failure as a dress-parade soldier — never 
wanted to " slick" up; but he was brave and fearless. He returned to Illi- 
nois, where he resided for several years, but his present whereabouts is 
unknown. He was last heard of as holding some position at the State 
capitol building in Iowa. 

Morgan, Carlos. Enlisted from Marseilles August 27th, 1861. Dis- 
charged August 26th, 1862, for disability. 

Morgan afterwards enlisted in a New York regiment, and died in 
North Carolina. 

Myers, Alden. Enlisted from Bloomington September 3d. 1861. 
Wounded in the arm August 16th, 1864. Mustered out September 
3d, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Myers was a good soldier and made a good record. He is living at 
Heyworth, 111. 

Morse, John. Enlisted from Chicago August 19th, 1861. 

Morse hailed from McHenry county, near Marengo, 111. While at 
Benton Barracks, St. Ijouis, Mo., he was, at his own request, transferred 
to the Seventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in October, 1861. 

Moore, James. Enlisted from Marseilles September 3d, 1861. Vet- 
eran. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865, as Corporal. 

Moore was known in the company as " Pretty " — an envious reflec- 
tion on his good looks. He was a brave and true soldier. Is living some- 
where in Kansas. 

Maher, John. Enlisted February 6th. 1864. Wounded in the hand 
May 20th. 1864. Mustered out with regiment. 

McDowell, George. Enlisted March 3d. 1865. Deserted May 23d, 
1865. 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K— PRIVATES. 543 

Mick, Parker. Enlisted from Marseilles September lOth. I86I. Died 
November 24th, 1863, of chronic diarrhea, at St. Augustine. Florida, 
■where he is buried. (The Adjutant General's report of the Thirty- 
Ninth has his name Nick Parker.) 

Parker Mick was an enthusiastic soldier— old fashioned, comical, full 
of fun, and very popular with the men of the company. 

McDowell, Riley. Enlisted February 13th. 1865. (Substitute.) 
Mustered out with regiment. 

Miller, Jacob. Enlisted February 21st. 1865. (Substitute.) Mustered 
out with regiment. 

Mitchell, W. R. Enlisted February 13th, 1865. (Substitute.) Mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Mizell, John W. Enlisted April nth, 1865. (Substitute.) Mustered 
out with regiment. 

Nichols, Joseph T. Enlisted from Marseilles August l-ith. 1861. 
Veteran. Promoted Corporal August 16th, 1864. Wounded in the 
leg. April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Ya. Died of wound 
May 19th, 1865, at Chesapeake Hospital, Fort Monroe, Va. 

The last resting place of Corporal Nichols is near the companion of 
his youth and his comrade, Corporal John B. Kipp. He was born at Aus- 
terlitz, Columbia county, New York, April 27th, 1840. Emigrated with his 
parents to the township of Mission, La Salle county, 111.,— a place noted 
for loyalty, and which sent many good soldiers into the Union army. 
When Nichols' parents died he had no alternative but to bind himself, until 
of age, for his support. The war broke out as he reached his twenty-first 
year and he enlisted in Company K and proved a good soldier. 

Neal, Daniel. Enlisted from Marseilles September 3d. I86I. 

Early in the service Neal met with a serious accident which nearly 
cost him his life. When the regiment was en route from St. Louis. Mo., to 
Williamsport. Md., while passing through the State of Ohio in the night 
time, the train came to a halt on a bridge spanning a deep ravine. It was 
a covered bridge. Neal stepped out and off the train to go forward for 
some water, unaware, in the darkness, of where the train was resting, and 
in stepping off he made a long step, about forty feet, to the ground 
below. He was picked up, and on reaching Pittsburg was taken by Dr. 
Clark to Dr. Waller's Surgical Infirmary. His spine was injured, and it was 
thought that he could not recover; but he did. and reported to his com- 
pany a few days prior to his discharge from the service. November 1st, 
1862 February 4th. 1864, he enlisted in Company G. Eighth Illinois Cav- 
alry, and was mustered out July 17th. 1865. His home is at Earned. 

Kansas.* 

^nce writing tuT^^^^^^^^^^v^ news of Neal's death by suicide at Larued, 

Kansas, some time In February, 1889. 



544 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Olmstead, Orlando. Enlisted from Marseilles August 19th. 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in the breast August 16th, 1864. Reduced to the 
ranks after promotion to Corporal August 16th, 1864, by sentence of 
court-martial September 25th, 1864. Mustered out with the regiment 
December 6th, 1865, 

Olmstead was known as the " Deacon "—a title that he brought into 
the service with him; but it was a "misfit," for he was noted as one of the 
best poker players in the regiment. He was a faithful soldier, and took 
pride in being at his post of duty. He became a resident of Elk River, 
Minn., after the war, where he had some difficulty with an officer, and was 
killed. He is buried at Marseilles, 111. 

Oleson, Jacob. Enlisted from Marseilles September 25th, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded and taken prisoner May 16th, 1864, at Drury's 
Bluff, Va. After his parole in August, 1864, he was, by order of the 
War Department, transferred to Company A, Veteran Reserve Corps, 
and was discharged November 13th, 186.5, at Concord, N. H. 

Oleson was born in Norway; was a good soldier and a careful ob- 
server of events; and,^ possessing a good memory, is an entertaining 
relator of matters pertaining to the war. He is living at Marseilles; has a 
family, and enjoys the comforts of life. 

Olmstead, Clinton. Enlisted March 5th, 1864. Discharged Decem- 
ber 2d, 1864, by order War Department. Is living at Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

Pitcher, Theo. W. Born at Martinsburg, N. Y. Enlisted from 
Marseilles August 27th, 1861, as musician in the regimental band. 
Mustered out in 1862, by an order of the War Department which dis- 
continued all regimental bands. 

After his " muster-out" Pitcher returned to Marseilles, and on March 
5th, 1864, enlisted in Company K, as private, and was detailed to the band 
that was being organized from material in the regiment. Was mustered 
out with the regiment December 6th, 1865, and became a citizen of Mar- 
seilles, where he resided with his family until a few years ago, when he 
removed West, homesteading land where he now resides. His postoffice 
address is Sterling, Colorado. 

Putnam, John S. Enlisted from Bloomington October 3d, 1861. 
Veteran. Wounded in the left arm June 2d, 1864. Promoted Cor- 
poral May 1st, 1865. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 
1865. Is living at Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio. 

Price, Michael. Joined the regiment at St. Louis, Mo., August 21st, 
1861. 

Price's wife accompanied him'in the service. He was taken prisoner 
at Bath, Va., January 4th, 1862, and Mrs. Price, realizing that the front was 
no place for a woman, went home. After his parole he rejoined his com- 
pany, and was mustered out with the regiment December 6th, 1865. He was 
wounded in the ankle April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. He 
is living, but his address is not known. 






ROSTER OF COMPANY K— PRIVATES. 545 

Peters, Benjamin. Enlisted February 24th, 18(54. Died from disease 

April 9th, 1864. 
Prebles, Edward. Enlisted February IBth, 1865. Wounded in the 

breast April 2d, 1865, at the assault on Fort Gregg, Va. Mustered 

out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 
Prebles, Isaac D. Enlisted April nth, 1865. (Substitute.) 

Reed, John A. Enlisted from Marseilles August 19th, 1861. Veteran. 

Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Reed enlisted with the understanding that he was to be detailed as 
a blacksmith. He was on detached service a good part of the time. Is 
living at Blackford, Ind. 
Roberts, W. H. Enlisted August 12th, 1865. Mustered out with 

regiment. 
Scullion, William. Enlisted from Marseilles August 14th, 1861. 

Discharged July 18th, 1863, for disability. 

This comrade was early assigned to "Selleck's Brigade." He well 
understood and patronized the " sick call." Soldiers do not, as a rule, 
have much sympathy for a man that will get fat on an army surgeon's 
prescriptions. Scullion did; and when he got his discharge for disability, 
July 18th, 1863, that paper with an eagle upon it, which he had so persist- 
ently played for, performed a most miraculous cure. He discarded his two 
canes before he got out of sight of his company, and left his rheumatism 
with his canes. He returned or went to Philadelphia, Pa., and died some 
years ago from an injury received in a boiler shop. 
Sparks, Ely. Enlisted from Marseilles August 6th, 1861, after his 

return from the three months' service. 

In May, 1862, while in the Shenandoah Valley, near Woodstock, Va., 
Sparks and Chester Van Wermer, of the company, intentionally or by 
reason of gross carelessness wandered outside of our lines and were taken 
prisoners. They were reported as deserters. They were paroled m a few 
days and were mustered out as prisoners of war. He enl^^red the service 
again in some other regiment and died at Williamsport, Md. 

SherO, Martin. Enlisted from Chicago August 6th, 1861. Veteran. 
WoundSl October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Mus- 
tered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Shero was the " Long Dutchman " of Company K, and did good 
service. It is said that he has long lived a sort of hermit life as a fisher- 
man on the lake shore at Chicago, 111. 

SoarkS John B. Enlisted from Marseilles February 28th, 1861. 
•^Discharged September 25th, 1862, for disability. He is dead, atid 
is buried at Marseilles, 111. 
Slater, George. Enlisted from Marseilles August 27th, 1861. Dis- 
charged for disability September 25th, 1862. 

January 20th, 1864, Slater enlisted in Company E, Eighth Illinois 
35 



546 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Cavalry, serving until July 17th, 1865. Some years ago he obtained work 
driving a street car on Madison street, Chicago. His address is Green- 
wood, Wis. 

Slater, William. Enlisted from Marseilles September 10th, 1861. 
Veteran. Mustered out with regiment December 6th, 1865. 

Slater was not built for an active soldier, owing to his corpulency, 
and seldom could be found an army suit of clothing that would cover 
him. He was detailed and served during his enlistment as an assistant to 
the regimental commissary; besides, he carried on quite a business in 
" dried-apple cider." He was living at Greenwood, Wis., when last heard 
from. 

Stephenson, John D. Enlisted from Marseilles September 3d, 
1861. Discharged for disability in 1862. Died at Utica, 111., a few 
years after the war. 

Seaman, Allen M. Enlisted from Marseilles September 15th, 1861. 
Died in June, 1862, while home on sick furlough, and is buried at 
Manlius, 111. 

Selleck, Hiram. Enlisted from Marseilles September 21st, 1861. 
This comrade was the proprietor of '" Selleck's Brigade," and grew 
fat attending '' sick call." He was always trying to get home to dig his 
potatoes. Was finally discharged, November 10th, 1862, for disability. 
June 29th, 1864, he enlisted again, and was an unassigned recruit for 
the Eighth Cavalry. 

Stokes, Stephen N. Enlisted from Bloomington August 25th, 1861. 
Veteran. Taken prisoner May 17th, 1862; paroled October, 1862. 
Recaptured June 6th, 1863; paroled October, 1863. Deserted August 
25th, 1864. 

This was a big — very big little man, always killing more than he 
could bury. Never won any merit for good conduct or behavior. 

Sauers, Peter. Enlisted from Bloomington August 14th, 1861. Vet- 
eran. • 

Sauers served faithfully. It was his fate to be killed at the assault 
on Fort Gregg, Va., April 2d, 1865. 

Simpson, Charles. Enlisted March 4th, 1864. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865, with regiment. 

Slagle, James. Enlisted from Marseilles December 16th, 1861. 
Wounded October 13th, 1864, at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Va. Absent, 
wounded, at muster-out of regiment. He is living at Covington, Neb., 
opposite Sioux City. 

Sweeny, Edward. Enlisted February 15th, 1865. Mustered out De- 
cember 6th, 1865. 

Thompson, Henry V. Enlisted from Marseilles August 27th, 1861. 
Discharged in 1862 for disability. 

September 1st, 1862, Thompson entered the service again in Hen- 



ROSTER OF COMPANY K— PRIVATES. 547 

shaw's battery, and was again discharged for disability August 18th, 1863. 
Returned home, and soon after died. 

Thomas, George N. Enlisted from Bloomington September 3d, 

1861. Veteran. Mustered out with the regiment December 6th, 1865. 

A good soldier. 
Thornell, Jackson. Enlisted from MarseUles October 4th, 1861.. 

Discharged March 7th, 1863, for disability. 

Thornell was known as " Happy Jack." Is reported dead. 

Thomas, Francis Marion. Enlisted from Bloomington August 

14th, 1861. Promoted Corporal October 1st. 1863. 

Thomas was a popular man in the company. June 17th, 1864, at 
Hatcher-s Run, Va., he was excused from duty by reason of having some 
trouble with his neck; but hearing the heavy firing at the front, he decided 
that he must be with his company, and went. A few minutes after takmg 
his place in the line he was shot dead. 
ThomDSOn, James. Enlisted from Chicago February 12th 1864. 

Wounded in the leg May 20th, 1864, at battle of Wier Bottom church, 

Va. Discharged July 18th, 1865, for disability. Died at Marseilles, 

111., shortly after returning home. 
Timm Christopher. Enlisted from MarseiUes December 16th. 1863. 

Mustered out December 6th, 1865, with regiment. 
Van Slet, Samuel. Enlisted from Marseilles September 17th. 1861. 

Discharged November 10th, 1862. for disability. 

In 1876 Van Slet was at Cedar Keys, Florida; since then his address 
is not known. 

Van Wermer Chester. Joined at St. Louis, Mo., October 14th, 
^1.^1 Walt'akerf prisoner in the Shenandoah Valley. Va.. and prob- 
ably mustered out'^s a prisoner of war. He is reported as a deserter 

on the company rolls. 
Wa^hhurne Charles. Enlisted from Morris, 111., August 2Ith, 1861. 

faithful soldier. 
Wf^lrome James. Enlisted from Bloomington October 10th, 1861. 
WeiCOmtJ, jdiiico. Killed at Fort NVagner, S. C, 

Promoted Corporal August l«t. 1863. Kiuea air t g 

August 26th, 1863, by the explosion of the enemj . .hell. 

Welcome was buried at the south end of the island, near where stood 

the lighthouse. He was a brave and faithful soldier, and a favorite among 

his comrades. 

Wright, Richard. Enlisted October 6th, 1861. Mustered out Octo- 
ber 8th, 1864, at expiration of service. 

Webster Levi. Enlisted February 6th, 1864. Promoted Co^P^^^l 
May 1st, 1865. Mustered out with regiment December bth, 1865. 



548 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

White, James R. Enlisted September 19th, 1861. Discharged in 
1862. Re-enlisted March 4th, 1864, and mastered out with the regi- 
ment at Norfolk, Va., December 6th, 1865, and finally discharged at 
Springfield, 111., December 16th, 1865. 

James R. White was born in McLean county, 111., September 26th, 
1844. Was occupied on a farm until he enlisted in Company K, Thirty- 
Ninth Illinois Volunteers. Was taken sick in May, 1862, and sent to hospi- 
tal at Cedar Creek, Va., and was caught up in the grand retreat of General 
Banks' army in May, 1862. Was discharged for disability at Williamsport, 
Md., June 19th, 1862. He returned home and went to work at the carpen- 
ter's trade until March, 1864, when he re-enlisted in his old company. May 
30th, 1864, he was slightly wounded by a fragment of shell. Was on de- 
tached service for several weeks in 1864, guarding the pontoon bridge 
across the Appomattox river. After the war he resumed work as a carpen- 
ter, which he still follows. He resides at 1201 N. McLean street. Blooming- 
ton, 111. 



Summary of Casualties, Etc. 

Killed in battle 7 

Died of wounds 6 

Died in prison 2 

Died of disease 10 

Wounded 54 

Lost limbs 2 

Taken prisoner 10 

Discharged for disability 29 

Transferred 

Deserted 3 

Mustered out at expiration of service 14 

Number originally enlisted 80 

Recruits 5g 

Enlisted as veterans 37 

Returned home at muster-out 63 

Known to be living (1889) 48 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



General Summary of Facts. 

THE total sum of the casualties among both officers and 
men of the Thirty-Ninth Eegiment is as follows: 

KiUed in battle 83 Drowned * 

Died of wounds 61 Taken prisoner 118 

Died of disease 90 Discharged for disability 293 

Died in prison 25 Deserted ^^ 

Wounded ■*!! 

34 Officers and men suffered amputation of limbs. 

52 Men were transferred to other commands. 

191 Men were mustered out at expiration of three years of service. 
350 Men re-enlisted as veterans. 
844 Men enlisted in 1861. 
608 Recruits were received during the war. 

34 Enlisted men were promoted to commissions. 

24 Officers resigned their commissions. 
2 Officers were dismissed the service. 
525 Officers and men mustered out at close of the war. 
485 Officers and men are known to be living (1889). 

The regiment traveled by rail and water 5,038 miles; it marched 1,425 
miles; making a total of 6.463 miles traveled. 

The revised report of the Adjutant-General of the State 
gives the killed and died of wounds in the Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois as one hundred and thirty-six, when it should be 
one hundred and forty-four; and if to this be added those 
who died in prison from wounds, thirteen more can l^e 
added, making one hundred and fifty-seven-rankmg third 
instead of fifth in the list of the one hundred and fifty-six 
recrimeuts of infantry which took the field. 

* The deaths from disease is stated at one hundred and 
seventeen when it should be ninety. 

549 



550 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

Members of the Regiment Who Died in Rebel 
Prisons. 

company a. 

Ira Nichols. Died in prison, of wounds, at Florence, South 
Carolina. Date unknown. ouuiu 

Andrew Seybert. Died of disease in prison at Anderson- 
ville, Georgia, August 11th, 1864. Number of grave, 5,3,50. 



Edmund Hartrey. Died in prison at Andersonville, Georgia 
wounds ^"°'^'' ""^ ^'^^'^ ^'^^^- Died from 

COMPANY C. 

Henry Gott. Died in Andersonville prison June 15th 1865 
from disease. Number of grave, 12,461. 

^"""^U^^f ^- '^■"®"- c^^^*^ '"^ P"'«^ ^* Florence, South Caro- 
lina, trom disease, September 25th, 1864. 

Corporal Martin Howder. Died in prison, from wounds 
at Florence, South Carolina, October 11th, 1864. 

^"^^onth^P.^r®P'^®r?°"- v.^^^*^ *" P"«o° at Florence. 
South Carolina, October 11th, 1864, from disease. 

COMPANY D. 

Nathaniel Bunker. Died in prison (place not given: 
probably at Florence, South Carolina), January 16th 1865 
irom disease. 

Jesse A. Ferrell. Died in prison at Florence, South Caro- 
lina, trom wounds, November, 1864. 

COMPANY E. 

Corporal T. p. Gronigal. Died in prison at Petersburg. 
\a., June 9th, 1864, from wounds. , ° 

^^"^jTne^fh ?S^T- ^^'^ "^ ^^^^y P"^«"' Richmond. Va.. 
dune 9th, 1864, from his wound. 

Sergeant David M. Hanson. Died in prison at Ander- 
sonville, Georgia, of wounds received in transportation, by 
railway accident, October 22d, 1864. 



MEMBERS WHO DIED IN REBEL PRISONS. 551 



COMPA^:Y F. 
Calvin Callahan. Died in Andersonville prison August 21st. 

1864, of wounds. Number of grave, 6,356. 
Palmer Lusk. Died in Andersonville prison June 5th, 1864, 

from wounds. 
Adelbert Van Patten. Died in prison at Richmond, Va.. 

of wounds. Date not known. 
Thomas M. Kennedy. Died in prison at Richmond, Va.. 

from wound, September , 1864. 

COMPANY G. 
Albert LuSCOmb. Died in prison at Petersburg, Virginia. 

of wounds. June 26th, 1864. 
John Pacey. Died in Libby prison, Richmond, Virginia, 

July L'6th, 1864, of wounds. 

COMPANY H. 
Henry C Rose. Died in prison at Andersonville, Georgia. 
September 27th, 1864, from disease. 

COMPANY I. 
M 4-^^ 1 p-oi-H Died in prison at Andersonville, Georgia, 
""^"Sobe'r- [,?^%^iof::^n,s. Number of grave, 10,881. 
John W. Weedman. Died in prison at Andersonville, 

Georgia, November 15th, 1864, of disease. 
Serjeant O. P. Nelson. Died in prison, of disease, at 
Riclimond. Virginia. Date not known. 

pany I.) 



COMPANY K. 



1864, 



John Lewis. Died in Andersonville prison June 

of disease. 
Alden Barber. Died in Libby prison, Richmond. Virginia, 

j^ne . 1864, of disease. 



APPENDIX. 



Testimonial to Dr. C. M. Clark. 

ChABLES M. CliABK, M.D. 

Dear Sir and Comrade:— Yon and the undersigned were selected to 
act as a committee to publish the History of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois 
Regiment, and upon you the committee placed the responsible duties as 
chief editor. We recognize, therefore, that it is a very delicate task for 
you to record the important part of history which you made, and the hon- 
orable relations which you sustained to the regiment and to the medical 
department of the army. 

We therefore request and direct you to insert the following relating 
to your labors during the war, as prepared by one of your comrades, feel- 
ing assured that all the surviTors of the regiment will fully indorse what 
we have said, and heartily join in this testimonial to your efficiency and 
faithfulness while Surgeon of the Thirty-Ninth. 

Amos Savage, ) 

Al. C. Sweetsek, y Committee. 

O. L. Mann, ) 

Chicago, Julu 4th, 1SS9. 

There is no branch of military service on whicli the use- 
fulness of an army depends more than on the medical de- 
partment. In order that it may be thoroughly prepared for 
long marches and for desperate encounters with an enemy 
the entire rank and file must be in the yery best of physical 
vigor It is one of the prime duties of the surgeon of a 
regiment to see that this desired condition is rigidly main- 
tained. Is the location of the camp healthful? Is its sani- 
tary condition at as high a grade of excellence as is possible ? 
Are rations properly prepared? Is the soldier too sick for 
duty, or shall he be returned to the ranks? Shall he be 
sent to a general hosv)ital or discharged the service? All 
these questions, and many more of kindred character, con- 

553 



554 THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 

stantly confront the army surgeon, and to answer them for 
the best "good of the service," requires great skill and un- 
tiring devotion to public duty. 

Comrade Clark entered upon his duties as surgeon of 
the regiment well equipped to meet manfully all these stern 
requirements. He had been admitted to the medical pro- 
fession under very favorable circumstances. Though young, 
he had met with success in his practice and had'' attracted 
the notice of the medical fraternity. He had "roughed 
it" in the gold fields of the Rockies, and hence took kindly 
to camp life. His post of duty was, from the first, with his 
regiment, and it never got so far to the front as to leave 
him in the rear. He was on detached service frequently, 
but seldom lost sight of his oAvn command, for he invariably 
refused duty that would remove him from fields where 
wounds were found. He was a skillful surgeon, and many 
of his complicated field operations are of public record; 
and of the public records which surgeons were required to 
keep, those of Dr. Clark are said by competent authority 
at AVashington to be among the very best returned, and they 
must be of great value to the Bureau of Pensions. 

When Dr. Clark reached Appomattox Court-House, he 
was the chief operating surgeon of the Field hospital of 
the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps, and yet he was in "hailing 
distance " of the old Thirty-Ninth. 

Our medical comrade settled in Chicago at the close of 
the war, and is now there ^in the enjoyment of a remuner- 
ative practice. 



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